The Holiday Series: Christmas Outfit Inspiration with Five Girls Fashion

 Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! The countdown in our home continues with 2 exceedingly hyper boys and two mildly excited young men.  That persnickety, invaluable resource called time, sneakily slips through my fingers as I busy myself with new traditions, plans for next year and preparing for family to arrive. Yes! My in-laws are coming to us and we couldn't be more excited for this special addition to our new traditions. Meanwhile, the weather in Florida heats up and cools down, challenging my fashion choices (AND HAIR!!!) each day! So planning my actual Christmas outfit sits on the back burner, but I couldn't resist joining Ada from Elegance and Mommyhood in this collaboration for Christmas Inspiration.

Simply Earth Essential Oils Recipe Box and The Sunday Showcase

Hello! It's the first Sunday of the month, which means another feature and link up with Ada and Kellyann for the Sunday Showcase. If this is your first month to join us, welcome! I love connecting with new humans!  This month I am excited to feature my first of what I hope to be many recipe boxes from Simply Earth Essential Oils. So please join me on this new adventure, learn about my first essential oil experience, which is a total Chrissy moment, and look for a surprise at the end!

THE Most Fabulous Pair of Denim, Southern Lace Boutique Spotlight, & the Sunday Showcase Link Up

Hey, hey! Lots happening on the blog today and you know that's how I like it. Today we are covering THE most fabulous pair of denim, a fun photo shoot with the Southern Lace Boutique AND the Sunday Showcase, which happens to be on Kellyann's birthday! Also, be sure to see the picks from the last Sunday Showcase. Now let's get to it!

Fit Body Boot Camp Adventures: My Personal Exercise Experience, Results & MORE

Hi! Have you guessed where I'm going with today's post? Yes, to the gym! Welcome to my latest adventure filled with pushups, burpees, squats, row machines, assault bikes and dare I say, FUN? Now before I lose you, let me explain my overall lack of motivation for anything that's akin to true physical exertion - aka, running, biking, muscles burning and shaking, etc. With the exception of hiking, I don't enjoy cardio at all!

Boho Casual & The Jack of All Trades in Style & Beauty

Hi! Have I ever told you how hair-challenged I am? Well, the struggle to get the right curl effect going on, or the right blo dry look is REAL. Though I'm continuing to improve, I ardently look forward to my haircut and/or color appointments! Of course I love the fun conversations that always happen in the chair, but leaving with a great style is what I came for, right?? Well, this time I had the opportunity to check out a new salon with some extra styling perks...!

Hi-Lo Floral Dress and The Happiest of Birthdays to Ada Link up

Hello! Today's post is a special tribute to my fellow blogger and friend, Ada, the creator and writer behind Elegance and Mommyhood. It's her birthday today and I love how she celebrates by bringing her blogging friends together in a conglomeration of fashion in true Ada style. We can't be together in person but we can dress up and salute Ada from all over the world.

Graphic Tees and Nitro Coffee Please

Hello my friends! Are you officially experiencing spring yet? We have sunshine friends. I repeat we have sunshine and temps in the 70s. You know what this means, right? Iced-coffee! And we could all move on into the happy thoughts of sun dresses and iced coffee but before we do I think we should consider a trending cup of joe, known as nitro coffee. Have you heard of it?

Red Dress Collab & The Burnout Floral Velvet Kimono

Day to Night Stiletto Earrings

Hello. In honor of American Heart Month, Ada from Elegance and Mommyhood wanted to host yet another collab featuring, you guessed it - red dresses!  In many cases heart disease is preventable by living a healthy lifestyle. Nutrition and exercise is proven to be beneficial in a numerous amount of ways. This begs the question, why not do just that? For me, I get busy with life and convenience often wins over healthy food prep or carving out extra time for exercise. However, it truly helps to have reminders such as these to bring me back to reality. The reality is that my health needs to be a priority.

Velvet Blazer & The TBB Asks for February

Hey! Today I'm excited to participate in The Blended Blog's Ask edition for February. And with it being February what better theme is there than "All About Love"?? As for my outfit, I'll be keeping it short and sweet with a spotlight on my favorite blazer, which happens to be a hand-me-down from a friend. So let's get right to it...

Camo For NYE & The Holiday Series

This may be the only dance move I know, but I plan on using it and using it well come NYE! Or maybe not. Maybe I'll be a total bum and watch the peach drop (Georgia here) from the comfort of my living room. Some years I've been known to fall asleep before midnight (gasp!!). What can I say? I'm an early riser so I wind down fairly quickly. However, this year I plan on going the distance as I think of the rest of you fine people counting down with me!

The Holiday Series: Christmas Outfit Inspiration

Hi there! Are you all ready for Christmas? As I type and breathe, I am not ready!! I feel a slight tightening in my chest; something akin to stress. Even now our lack of eggs, milk and fresh produce looms over me, reminding me that I need to close this computer and run to Aldi. Just a few more minutes! Anyone else feeling it? There's a few more gifts to pick up and ALL gifts need to be wrapped. GULP. Our boys are counting down as well, but for totally different reasons.

However, Christmas will come and when it does I will enjoy it whether or not all things were done perfectly or not. Amen! So I'm taking a deep breath and reminding myself what this season is all about while entertaining some fashion therapy in between. ;) And today we happen to have 15 bloggers to inspire you...

The Holiday Series: Wedding Looks

When you were a little girl did you ever dream of a December wedding? If so, what did you picture? Glitter, sparkle, furs and maybe even snow? Snow! If I had gotten this outfit together over the weekend, my backdrop would be a beautiful landscape of white. Instead I bring you this next segment of the Holiday Series, hosted by Ada at Elegance and Mommyhood, with a patchy, dying lawn. My plan "B" is to distract you with my red nose, awkward smile and rigid poses from the freezing cold!

TBB Asks: Holiday Questions & Answers

Hello! Welcome to December, right? Last Monday we were finishing up all things fall and after one weekend, we have Christmas lights and our tree set up at home. The Christmas season is here and I couldn't be more excited! There's much to love about the Christmas season, but I also recognize that the holidays can be a difficult time for those suffering the loss of loved ones, loneliness, financial difficulty, etc. I pray that this Christmas of 2017 you will be comforted and even surprised by extra doses of kindness as you go through out your day. 

 Today's post is another fun get to know you, question and answer segment from the Blended Blog series: TBB ASKS. Can you guess the theme?

Yes! 

The Holidays!!

But before I delve into those fun questions, here's a quick peek at my random outfit. I say random because it doesn't look as put together as I'd like. Just the same I had fun with it and I like to share my  wins as well as not-quite-there-yet, or all out flails on the blog. 

Well, I did love the boots, the skirt and the jewelry from this outfit. I'd wear this again, but with a few tweaks. Now let's get on with those questions!!

The Holiday Series: Black Friday Getup

Guten tag. It's another day in the blog world and I feel great to be alive. Once again I'm energized by the developing friendships with you sweet ladies! Ada, from Elegance and Mommyhood continues her hard work and fab Holiday Series post with a Black Friday outfit inspiration! Still need Thanksgiving inspiration? Check out the first post of the series HERE.

When I think of the crowded stores, unpredicatble temps, the possibility of carrying a lot of bags, etc, I plan my outfit to be comfortable and smart!

First, I start with comfortable shoes and this year I'm happy to have my trendy and cute Adidas to tromp around in. Then I go for my absolute favorite pair of pants - these joggers from the GAP. Already in the works are plans to hit up my local GAP for another pair. Lastly, I usually layer a long sleeve tee with a warm vest. This way I can suffer through a little cold while going in and out of stores, but don't have to deal with a bulky jacket once inside.  

What to Wear For Thanksgiving: The Holiday Series

Hello my friends! Somehow it's already time to be planning Thanksgiving, while thinking about Christmas. In just a little over a week, my family and i will be traveling to central Illinois to share Thanksgiving with my in laws! Yup. We are farm country bound and I can't wait! Of course there is much to do before we leave, such as: get life in order here and then shop for Christmas gifts to exchange. That's been a tradition for several years and no one objects to forgoing the task and cost of shipping at Christmas.

Bridge the Gap Campaign: Nicole of HLS

What is the Bridge the Gap Campaign? 

Today is an extra exciting day due in part to the launch of an unprecedented campaign: “Bridging the Gap.” This campaign is all about creating a connection between Millennials and Midlife Influencers. With 100 individual women from each generation interacting with each other, the goal is to bridge the gap between each other; blurring the boundaries in order to show that we are all stronger together. We are putting an end to the labels and differing cultural beliefs that are causing us to divide. Age is simply a number. What truly matters is a person's attitude and perspective of life and all its happenings. We are millennial women supporting midlife influencer women, but are more than willing to let men join in the celebration. Together, we desire to send a powerful message, showing that we women have chosen to be seen for who we are, rather than the number on our birth certificates. We believe in a world without separation and together, we are a far stronger than we would ever be apart. Please join us in this revolutionary campaign as it is the heart and soul of women that truly matter in the end.

The September Issue: Ten Fall Wedding Looks

Hello! Once again I'm thrilled to be collaborating with, Ada from Elegance and Mommyhood, and several other bloggers to bring you another edition of the September Issue: What to Wear to A Fall Wedding. If you missed the first issue on styling white dresses after Labor Day, just click here!

I must admit that I ended up going in a completely different direction that I originally intended.  However, I'm a little giddy over the results. You know I dig these adidas shoes. We're like peas and carrots. Mash potatoes and butter. Sweet potato and cinnamon. Collagen powder and coffee. What? I thought I'd make a few up of my own.  ;)

Honestly, I woke up one morning with thoughts of my adidas sneaks styled with this dress rolling around my brain. How's that for getting the day started? Sheesh. Just the same, early morning ideas are usually my best, so without testing the theory out, I packed up this outfit and met my sweet friend Rachel for some pictures later that evening.

Now I know some folks may be cringing at the thought of showing up to a friend's wedding in fashion sneakers. I get it! I would say, know your bride. Rachael is getting married in March and said she would welcome me in this garb. So Rachael my dear, you may see this outfit again. ;)

And if you're still cringing grab those heels and you're ready to go! Just remember to pack the sneaks for the dance floor. You know you're going to chuck those heels off before long. 

Can you tell that I love the pockets on this dress?? That's how I walked around the town for the entire evening. Before we knew it, twilight was upon us (where's Edward?? - bad joke I know.) and we had little time left for picture taking fun. I'm just glad we found this fun spot on the square in Duluth!

As far as the leather jacket goes, in the south we never know if it's going to be a hot one or if our teeth will be chattering and our backs clenched in protest from a sneaky night chill.

Outfit Breakdown: Jacket: Michael Kors (Macy's Option 1, Nancy's Fashion Style)/Striped Dress: White House Black Market (Fun Option, Similar With Pockets!) /Adidas (Rack Room shoes)/Layered : Clutch: Aveda Gift/Necklaces: Premier Designs Jewelry: (Dressed to Thrill Long Chain, Daring Choker and 2nd Layer)
Linking up with Michelle's Paige, Not Dressed As Lamb, Spread the Kindness,Nanc's Fashion Style, A Pocketful of PolkadotsP, Fashion Should be Fun, Classy Yet Trendy, High Latitude Style

Confession: Glam is a struggle for me. Instead of looking like a princess when I'm all dressed up, I feel more self-conscious. Any one else? For me the extra makeup accentuates that which I'd rather mask, so other than eye fun, I stay as natural as possible. Permit me to restate: know your bride and know your venue. That makes all the difference. And be sure to check out the other 9 bloggers and their fabulous wedding outfits!

 Ada from Elegance and Mommyhood blogs from Metropolitan Detroit, Michigan, USA (originally from Albania, Europe).

Shelbee from Shelbee on the Edge blogs from Watertown, New York, USA.

Roxanne from Glass of Glam blogs from Washington, DC, USA.

Stephanie from Glamorous and Geeky blogs from Florida, USA.

Jennie from A Pocketful of Polka Dots blogs from South Carolina, USA.

Kristin from Countdown to Friday blogs from Germany, Europe (originally from The States).

Michelle from Michelle's Pa(i)ge blogs from Long Island, New York, USA.

Chrissy from Granola and Grace blogs from Georgia, USA.

Cristina from Memories of the Pacific blogs from Spain, Europe.

Laura from I Do deClaire blogs from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.

Quick Story From Our Night in Duluth

Well my friends, I close with thoughts of sweet Rachael and our final moments of this incredibly fun adventure. These moments take us back to the food truck. It was getting late and all the food trucks were getting ready to pack up. After walking through our options once more, we decide on what appears to be legit mediterranean. One whiff of the aroma and it's confirmed...

"Two gyros please."

"We are out of the fries that go with that. You can have Lays potato chips instead." (Oh boy.)

"Well. Ok."

While waiting on our food we occupied ourselves by snapping a few pictures together.  It wasn't long before the Peace of Pita owner offered to take our picture for us. How nice!

My name is called. We walk up and grab our paper trays. Boy, those tantalizing gyros look good and my mouth begins to water.  But those Lays potato chips just don't seem right.

Downcast and disappointed we exchange looks.

"Want me to ask if they will substitute a small side of the hummus instead of these chips??"

I approach the window.

Um. Excuse me, but would it be possible to exchange this bag of Lays for a small side of your homemade hummus?

Awkward pause.

He checks with the manager. The very same manager who snapped our picture.

Bam! It was delicious. Thank you Peace of Pita. We eat our food and catch up on life. I add this picture to my story and it isn't long before Rachel notices that we are on their IG page.

I hope you enjoyed this post and wedding edition of the September Issue. :)

Much love,

Chrissy

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