The Floral Dress For Marie Selby Gardens & The 3 Things Prompt

Hello lovelies! How was your weekend? I hope you felt loved this weekend no matter your current role in life (i.e. momma, daughter, etc).  I want to tell you all about my weekend, but I'll piece it apart, post by post, to do each event justice.  Now before I delve in, I must say that today's post is inspired by Laura and her "3 Things..." questions so you'll find her prompt at the end of this post with my responses. Thank you Laura for being wonderful you!

Two Pencil Skirts and Another Graphic Tee Giveaway!

Hey, hey. As I write this little note today rain pours down, suiting the overcast undertones in these pictures. Georgia has received a lot of rain this spring, but that's ok. I have a candle going, a few moments of peace in the house and my laptop ready share two business casual looks, featuring pencil skirts. In addition, I'm revealing my latest graphic tee "giveaway" from Beats & Breath! I'm so happy you're here!!

Leggings & Lace

My hubby is right. I forget to zip my bag a lot. ;)

This outfit combined all of my favorites: stylish comfort, chic leggings and sweet lace! I don't worry about a thing (humming "don't you worry about thi-nnnnnnnnnng" right now) when I flit through my day running errands in an outfit like this. It began in comfort with the buttery soft leggings that LuLaRoe is known for and the long flowy Irma top, but when I added the lace vest I knew this outfit would cause no distraction for my day (fighting with bra straps, belly flaps, etc).

The black Irma was a great investment! It goes with a variety of leggings, as well as skinny jeans. These leggings were chosen for me by my LulaRoe rep and friend, Shannon, when we co-hosted a Pop-up/Premier Jewelry fashion event. I don't know why but I seem to like things more when others pick it out. Guess it stems from my indecisive nature!

The lace vest was a cast off from a friend and I've lost count on the many ways I've styled it! I'm not kidding. I've worn this vest over dresses, legging outfits, outfits styled with shorts, jumpsuits and skinny jeans. If you don't have a neutral vest, I recommend adding one to your shopping list.

I kept the accessories simple with stiletto earrings, one long necklace and a single turquoise
bracelet. My cognac wedges were a LOFT clearance find from many years ago! They are showing some wear and tear, so I may be justified in hunting a new pair as it looks like wedges will be sticking around for while.

Outfit Breakdown

Top & Leggings: LulaRoe (Shannon's FB)/Vest: Cast-off/Shoes: OLD/Backpack Purse: Clarks USA (their latest)/Jewelry: Premier Designs

Linking up with Not Dressed As Lamb

Now, before I close, allow me to share a cupcake or two and introduce you to my photographers of the day!

They should get a cupcake of their choice for all that hard work! They picked Cherry Kool-Aid, which sounds like something an 8 year old would pick. ;)

Butter Pecan was delivered to a friend, who could use an extra reminder that she was loved. What made this delivery even better was finding that another friend left a package at her door! We need our friends don't we? Winning a free cupcake a day from Splat Cakes is reminding me that the smallest of gestures can mean so much in someone's day. My blessing is so much better shared. Cupcakes do not fit in my "granola" life, but they sure do fit in the "grace" that's changed everything about my life.

Lots of love!

Chrissy
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Outfit Evolution: Madison Skirt & Owl Tee

Hey! Today's post is about the trial and error aspect in my personal fashion journey. 

What do you get when you mix a lack of detail with creativity? 

Accidental outfit cuteness. 

That's me. I try things. And sometimes it looks great and other times it's laughable. I say this to encourage others who also struggle with an eye for detail OR color. Some days you will look oh so cute! Other days the struggle will be real. 

"It's cute but it's missing something."

or 

"Something is a little off. I just don't see what it is." (There is a good reason why I don't trim my own bangs, or pluck my own eyebrows.)

Here's a good example...

It was a morning like any other morning, so basically I was running behind. This means there's no margin for playing around with accessories. In addition to no margin,  I heeded not a fellow blogger's advice to pick the shoes first, and chose my top and skirt before ensuring there would be a complimenting shoe. 

I grabbed at my go-to silver jewelry pieces for black, cobalt blue, etc and still have not shoes.

It's time to leave and being late is far worse than a "perfect" outfit, so I scurry over to my closet and look for a casual black sandal. 

I see a pair of "beach" flops and one other pair. Option 2 won't work. The style is all wrong. That leaves option 1. How do I not have a casual pair of simple black sandals?? 

Sporty Beach flops. Nike. 

Switching out purses is not an option.  I had to go "as is"...

Outfit Attempt #1: Sporty Beach Flops & Dressy Silver

I may not love this completed ensemble, but I wanted to try the skirt and top again. However, black sandals are still an issue, which means I need to ditch the black shoe idea and take a different approach.

Outfit Attempt #2 - Camel Colored Wedges & Copper

Leather Cuff by Peachy Pruitts, English Rose by Premier Designs

Outfit Breakdown:

Top: Illusionist Event

Skirt: LuLaRoe (Megan Cook)

Shoes: LOFT

By george, I think we've got it for this one! What do you think?

Linking up with High Latitude Style, Mix Match Fashion , Elegance and Mommyhood and Fashion Should Be Fun  and Posh Classy Mom today. :)

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Preppy Attempt & My First Podcast Experience

Hello blogger world! School's out and summer vacation begins. The children are foot loose and fancy free, but what about momma? Usually, my summers consist of poolside views and strategic road trips to family that lives by bodies of water.  This means I try and keep our calendar as clear as possible. My boys are growing quickly and I want to spend the days going on adventures, big or small, with them. Though I still feel that way, our summer schedule looks a little different in 2016. 

My firstborn will be a freshman this upcoming school year (what?! What?!) and has decided to play football. His practices are in the morning, four days a week. There are upcoming women's events that require preparation and I continue to work on a new business start up with Premier Designs. Phew! I'd say that's enough to keep me on my toes!

So we started off the summer with an appointment in the recording studio to record my first podcast ever (more on that below). This is the outfit I ran out the door in. It's my interpretation of a comfortable, yet preppy look. How'd I do?

Preppy or not, I love how the purse highlights the orange stripes in this scarf. Pops of color are so fun to me.

Look at me. Sitting so preppy like. A lopsided scarf is the in thing you know. 

Outfit Breakdown:

Top: Altar'd State

Skirt: Cassie by LuLaRoe Megan Cook

Shoes: Vans

Purse: Clarks

Scarf: LOFT

Linking up with the Pleated Poppy, Sydney Fashion Hunter

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Now let's talk about that podcast...In late March, we featured a panel of five women with varying stories. We asked them specific questions in regards to where they find their identity, where they go for encouragement and how they balance life overall. Their responses blessed us tremendously. Regardless of how different their answers were, one could not miss the beautiful, common thread woven into each account.  They shared a love for Jesus and personal experiences with God's provision, faithfulness and comfort . 

Before we knew it, the night came to an end leaving many with a desire to hear more. Would we post a transcript of their stories?

Well, I had the bright idea to record some podcasts instead. How hard could it be? Can I just say that I have a lot more respect for those with podcasts and radio djs?? Words don't fail me now!!  This experience gave me an appreciation for a visible audience. I like to see facial expression, body language, etc.  Speaking into a mic with no one there proved to be challenging for me. Nevertheless, this humbled amateur will be getting over herself and sharing those interviews soon. It's not about me anyway. :)

Here are a few behind the scenes shots from some of our panel. Have a fabulous day and thank you for reading!

Chrissy

The talented Judy interviews Pamela

 (Judy moderated the questions on our panel night. This arena is her jam!)

 My zany, hilarious friend Lindsey

The sweet and talented Tania

Colorful Leggings & Market Day Fun

On yet another whim, I commented on a LuLaRoe entry to win a free pair of mystery leggings. It was Friday the 13th, so the consultant, Kara, said to comment with your favorite horror film. I'm not a fan of horror flicks because they mess with my head, so I responded with "Call the Midwife" and went about my day. Now, before you're like, "What?! I love that show!", I love it as well. However, my husband's comment in regards to the show came to mind. He would say, "I don't need to be in the room with you to figure out what your watching. The screams tell all." Makes me laugh every time. It's true. There was a lot of yelling, screaming, etc in that show. Those women were birthing those babies without pain assistance!

Thus I commented with the horrors of giving birth in mind, and went about my day. Some time later I received a FB notification stating that I won! Excitedly, I messaged the rep with a note of gratitude, my size and home address!

Mystery leggings. Mystery leggings were en route to my home. Would the print of these mystery leggings match the only IRMA I own?? If not, would I have something else to match? I was in such suspense, but I didn't have to wait long. When the time came for mail delivery, the boys and I watched from the kitchen window. Was that a package?? They beat me to the mail box. (Hey! No judging. It's the little things.)

I wasted no time wearing my prize on a planned trip to my sister's.

Outfit Breakdown:

Top: Irma by LuLaRoe (from Megan Cook)

Leggings: LuLaRoe (from Kara Leary)

Shoes: Nordstrom Rack

Necklace: Triplet (Online Catalog)

Linking up with Elegantly Fashionable today and Beauty 101 by Lisa

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Allow me to share a few pictures from our city market adventures in Uptown Columbus, which happens to be a military town. Quite appropriate considering that was the weekend before Memorial Day.

I wanted to buy something from every tent! Vendors beckoned potential patrons to sample their homemade goodies. From signs, flowers, bat houses to jams, jellies, barbecue sauce, farm fresh eggs, yogurt, and milk, there seem to be no end of talent and creativity.

As you can see from the pictures, we stopped for flowers and empanadas. Empanadas. A Puerto Rican specialty that neither, my sister nor I, can make. Tsk. Tsk.

"Would you like chicken, beef, or guava and cream cheese?" Yes. Yes. And, yes. 

Before departing the sweet market, we strolled down to the river where our only mishap occurred...

That stinks. He was a champ but I'm fairly certain that shirt is done for. At least we were getting ready to leave.

What do you think about the legging craze that continues to live on? And do you frequent a local market? If so, what's your usual?

Well, that's plenty for today my reader friends. Thank you for sharing in my adventures!

Chrissy

Feeling Patriotic

Feeling poised

Memorial day is quickly approaching and for those down south, so is the last day of school. With four boys in attendance at two different schools, our schedule is hectic to say the least. This week we say se la vie to 1st grade, 6th grade and 8th grade. And yes, that means I officially joined the parents of a high schooler club. Aren't I too young for this? What happened to the little monkey I used to chase around the family room? Ah no. I need to move on before this lighthearted post becomes a weeping mom's memoir.

Let's talk about lighter things, like I don't know, clothes. What are your Memorial day plans? Will you be camping, barbecuing, boating or picnicking? Do you enjoy dressing for the occasion in your patriotic colors, or will you be sporting the classic cut off shorts and a t-shirt?

This ensemble made its' debut at our end of the year "Share Day" for CBS Bible study. I don't know that I'll be wearing this exact outfit, but maybe a variation of it. Both the skirt and the top are by LuLaRoe, which I purchased at a friend's pop up boutique. I've enjoyed shopping for new clothes, while supporting a friend at the same time. I leave with cute, comfortable clothing and she has some extra money in her pocket to help pay bills. Win, Win.

Outfit Breakdown:

Top: IRMA (Similar)

Skirt: Maxi (Similar)

Sandals: Target Clearance

Hat: Khols

Necklace: Nod to Mod by Premier Designs (Catalog)

Linking up with Elegantly Fashionable today...

By the way, this year we are hitting the road for a beach vacation with 17 of my family members (we will miss you Paul, Jess and Kesler!!!!). My boys are excited to spend time with their cousins and I'm excited to read with the sound of the ocean filling my senses. :)

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Here's a bonus for you...

I haven't given up trying to learn to accompany myself with the guitar just yet. Admittedly, I do put it down for periods of time when I get discouraged or busy. However, I keep trudging along with this hobby. It's humbling. Mostly humbling, but there are times when it's very rewarding. This was one of those times. I'm so grateful to CBS for investing in me spiritually and even musically.

Have a fabulous day my reader friends and remember to keep moving. :)

Chrissy

Minimalist Jewelry Trends & Gloriously Oversized Tops

These glasses are too big for my face. Guess they are now for the beach and the pool!

I'm loving the easy, comfortable trends in clothing and accessories right now. Each year I wonder at the life expectancy of leggings. Let's hold them close. You never know when their time may come to an end. In truth, this outfit felt like wearing pajamas in disguise (though some may disagree and say "I have pajamas that look just like that!").

And why not join the minimalist trends in jewelry? Everywhere I look I see simple, delicate pieces that look great layered, or not layered, dressed up or dressed down.

In this case,  I was all out casual and opted for the layered look to run errands. We even had an unplanned outing to the skating rink for our school spirit night. Of course I had to drop in and say hi to the hubbs between stops, which became an opportunity for the blog to live on. I said, "dahling, you simply MUST take some photos of me sporting this gloriously oversized top with the trending accessory pieces." And then he said,

"Cuuuuuuuuuuuuttttttte."

(You may just have to watch the Instagram Husband video on youtube to get that one.)

Outfit breakdown:

Top: Irma by LulaRoe (similar)

Leggings: Norstrom Rack

Converse: (similar)

Necklaces: Keep it Personal & Heaven by Premiere 

(email: granolangrace@gmail.com to get your hands on those cuties)

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My skating buddies...:)

Until next time...today it's link up day!!  Linking up with The Pleated Poppy , Color & Grace and Sydney Fashion Hunter.

Chrissy

A Skirt that Feels Like Leggings

You will rarely catch me in a skirt, but even more rare would be to find me in a pencil skirt. I haven't worked in an office in over 10 years and pencil skirts make me feel like I should be preparing to go to work...at the office.  And then the Cassie came along.

Who cares if I'm not off to the office??  This puppy is comfortable! The waist, like the rest of the skirt, is stretchy but there's no worry about this baby falling off.  And if you don't love the length, simply fold at the waist and it's shorter.

Can you guess where this skirt came from??

LuLaRoe

I know. So many posts from this fun company. Am I selling LuLaRoe? No. But wouldn't that be fun?!

In fact, I'm quite sure I said I would never do direct sales again. Well, I ate my words when I signed up to sell Premiere Designs Jewelry back in March.  But no worries, this blog won't be a launching pad for my business - though you will see me wearing pieces here and there.  This is just another turn in the adventures of life. Did I mention we have four growing boys to feed?? I thought diapers were expensive! Hello middle school.

I hope you're enjoying the spring of 2016 so far. Comments, pointers etc are always welcome!

Outfit Breakdown:

Sweater and Button up: LOFT (similar and similar)

Cassie Skirt: LuLaRoe byMegan Cook

Shoes: Steve Madden (exact)

Necklace: Your Way by Premiere Designs 
(Online Catalog)

Chrissy

LuLaRoe Dress & Unplanned Stops

He has to get some fun out it as well, I guess.

This is that adorable dress I won at a pop up boutique for LuLaRoe, hosted by Megan Cook, in March.  You can read about that fun day HERE. Though warm days are quickly upon us, it was still chilly that day. I look forward to pairing the dress with simple summer sandals soon.

In other news, I've hired a new photographer . My 12 year old. He gets a couple bucks here and there (I get what I pay for!) and I don't have to pester.  However I hope the hubby doesn't feel totally off the hook. I'm still going to nab free shots wherever I can! As for the 14 year old pictured above, he's more interested in amusing himself than making a little extra cash. I admit that he makes me laugh, but don't tell him that. It will only encourage the borderline obnoxious behavior!

Outfit Break Down:

Ameila Dress: LuLaRoe
Leather Jacket: Michael Kors
Red Clutch: Calvin Klein (Macys)
Black Ankle Boots: Target

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And if you haven't guessed it already, we dropped in at the Mayfield Dairy, where they offer tours and sell ice cream by the scoop. The boys bypassed the tour and headed straight for the ice-cream. And while they consumed ice cream, we browsed through the gift shop together. Surprisingly enough, reading the signs, towels, and whatever else they had, turned into a fun experience together. 

My lesson for that day: Add spontaneity when possible and keep any ideas to myself until the very last-minute, thereby avoiding negative commentary and adding more element of surprise.

Until next time we can think about what it would look like to "Expect nothing and appreciate everything." :)

Chrissy

The Madison Skirt

Don't put away those long sleeve shirts just yet, Georgia. Yesterday I excitedly pulled out one of my favorite spring tops to wear to church. I needed to be there early to stand outside with a friend to promote our upcoming women's event, so I didn't take the time to check the weather. Mistake. I froze out there and made folks feel bad for me.  I almost came home with one Men's black down vest, one sweet elderly ladies jacket and a friend's scarf.  I wore at least 2 of them at a time.

But anyway, that outfit is for another post. Today I share the cute skirt I purchased from the LuLaRoe popup boutique I was telling you about. Of course I'm finding more ways to wear it than I expected. That's always a bonus!  This ensemble had a casual, comfortable feel, but the pleated skirt made me feel like dancing. (I know. The picture above looks more like I'm finishing a cheer pose than dancing. It was the best shot I had.)

Oh! And guess what surprise package awaited me at home? This Amelia dress! My MIL had won the drawing for a free dress at the pop up boutique and gifted it to me. :) So sweet! I think this may be my Easter dress.




So how about you? Do you like wearing skirts? I usually don't but this may change for me?

Outfit lowdown:

Striped Tee: the Limited
Skirt: LuLaRoe (You can check out the next Thursday night sale at LulaRoe by Megan Cook.)
Shoes: Vans
Purse: B Makowsky
Rings: Sienna by Premiere
Bangle Bracelets: Crush by Premiere