Embroidery Meets Snakeskin Featuring Caite & Kyla

Corded Jacket c/o XCVI / / Leggings - c/o Caite // Loft Blouse / / Dallas Boots / /  DSW Tote

Welcome to another fashion adventure and the Style Six Link up! I say adventure because today's post features my first attempts at styling a pair of snakeskin print leggings! That should be easy, but with the additional embroidery detail, I wondered if I could do them justice.  As it turns out, that these leggings are beautiful dressed up or down, with whites, beiges, tans, black and I'm sure much more! 

As for the origin of these leggings, if you follow me on Instagram stories then you may know that I visited Caite & Kyla's showroom and warehouse. In truth, I invited myself and they graciously accepted me. It was wonderful to meet the faces behind this innovative, bohemian-inspired, and adventurous clothing label. And while I was there, I noticed these leggings and asked if I could try them on. Of course, you know how that went! Wink. ;) 

Athletic Wear: Reversible Tank, Sports Bra and Leggings

Hi! Yoga anyone? Now before I misrepresent, allow me to explain that I don't practice yoga on the daily. However, it's my onramp whenever I get stuck in an exercise rut, which I fell into after our move to Florida. I kept saying I'd join a gym, etc but I didn't want it enough to sacrifice quiet mornings for exercise. It's rowdy around my house, but summer has reached new heights! But just the same, here I digging out my yoga mat. I blame it on the dog...

About a month ago, I found the dog chewing on my favorite sports bra by Handful Bras. This bra originally came into my possession while visiting an athletic shoe store for running. Their motto, "flatter, not flatten", lived up to its name, while giving fabulous support! The comfy bra is so durn cute too. All this to say, I wasn't happy to find damage done to my favorite sports bra.

I sent the company a silly Instagram video message in my best Leia from Star Wars voice, explaining my puppy woes and asked for help.

"Help me Handful Bras, You're my Only Hope"

They responded the next day! The sweet rep emailed me and said they would send a bra, along with a little surprise! What?? My day was made!

The Bra & The Surprise
The surprise was this fun reversible tank top! It can scoop in the front or scoop in the back, depending on which side of the bra you'd like to feature. As for the capri leggings, I received those at the same athletic store in Georgia. They are a stretchy high-waisted fit with a good dose of tummy control, which I especially enjoy right now.

Meadowlark Leggings: Eco-Friendly, Elegant & Comfortable

 Hello beautiful, sweet friends reading this post! You being here makes me want to reach through my computer screen and hug you (except for creepy, anonymous dude - I don't want to hug you).  Thank you! Alright enough of that! Now if you love leggings, you're in for a treat! You may have seen the Meadowlark Clothing Brand of leggings featured around the blogger block here recently.  Well, I'm thrilled to confirm the praises I've read thus far. From a beautiful design to a fit that will make you forget you're wearing pants - these leggings are worth their weight in eco-friendly polyester (keeping with Earth Day coming up)!  I've worn a LOT of leggings before and sang their praises, but now I'm singing a new song.

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

More Snow & Over the Knee Socks

Once again our wintery visitor has graced us with her presence  in Georgia.  A sheet of ice covers our roads and crystalized snow blankets our yards. Stubborn ice clings to windows and the branches of trees hang low with their cold burdens.  Schools and many businesses are closed and only the adventurous are attempting to drive.

News reports tell of many losing power.  As I stare out my kitchen window this stray thought interrupts my serene pondering and takes me down memory lane. I travel back to a time when my husband and I spent our first couple years of marriage living in a third world country. Losing power was expected every Sunday afternoon for about 4 hours. You would count down and watch as your oscillating fan began to slow, leaving no movement of air in our already sweltering apartment.

Looking out into our winter wonderland I know if the power turns off being stuffy will not be an issue.  Given the choice I will go with being uncomfortably warm. However, it's good for me to think about how the rest of the world lives when my comforts are temporarily threatened (and even when they are not!). If our power goes out we have wood for the fireplace and a camp stove to warm up meals.  All set.

Well, enough staring and rambling. I don't want to be the only family member to experience the snow and sleet mix from inside the house.

Yup. This is what I wore. (I did bundle up for real play later in the day.)

Have you tried a pair of over the knee socks? They are so warm and cozy. This pair was in my Christmas stocking from my MIL. Perfect year for these!

My fellow snow families, I hope and pray you are safe and warm. And making some memories out there while you are at it.

Outfit Breakdown:
Faux Fur Collared Sweater: Limited (hand-me-down)
Tiger Shirt: Wet Seal (gift from last year)
Grey Leggings: $3.00 from Nordstrom Rack
Over the Knee Socks: Khols (gift)
Ankle Boots: Target
Bracelet: Christmas gift

Long Sweaters, A Photo Bomber, A Touch of Yoga

When I took this shot I had no idea my little man was captured in the background. Does he know that I wasn't really looking at anything in particular?? Excuse me while I go squeeze him (cuz he is still young and lets me!!).

I wonder what's going through little man's mind as he watches his momma take pictures of herself around the backyard, which has no resemblance to a backyard anymore.  My first thought would be to assume his thoughts are something akin to how strange or goofy I am. But as I look at the other pictures he "photo bombed", I honestly believe his thoughts are more along the lines of...

"I just want to spend time with you." 

Oh my goodness! I need to go and squeeze him again!!

And, if that means posing with you, beside you or behind you when you don't even know it, I will.  If that means helping you bake, pull laundry out of the dryer or get the kitchen cleaned up, I will. And if you get a moment or two would you mind reading me a story?" 

Yeah, I'm pretty sure that's what he's thinking.

What happened?? When did he get so tall? There is not much time left in the hour glass and I need constant reminders of this fact of life.  Reminders to hold them tight, get down on the floor, look into their eyes and really see them. 

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Keeping the accessories simple.

Outfit Breakdown:

Hat: GAP (old)
Navy Sweater: GAP (last year)
Pink & Navy Plaid: GAP (from santa)
Grey Leggings: Nordstrom Rack ($3)
Trusty Old Target Boots: Somebody done gav'em to me
Belt: Loft (old)
Bangles: LOFT (after Christmas clearance)

And Finally...Leggings Again??

So here they are again. Leggings. Have I mentioned how comfortable I find them?? Here is yet another reason why I support the style and use of those stretchy, thick tights.

Our family waits for February to begin working on goal's for the new year. We have 2 birthdays to celebrate in January and one in the first week of February. So in an effort to jump in on those goals now, I'm trying yoga. And what better way to get started than by taking advantage of legging comfort? I'm by ready for the day and  I can steal a moment here and there to practice a pose or two!!  This will have to do for now.  I know. I'm setting my sights high, aren't I?

@laurasykora, @kinoyoga, @beachyogagirl

For motivation and inspiration I follow a few yoga-pros on Instagram. Their impressive poses have drawn thousands of followers! If you like the bendy, balance challenge yoga offers you will find them interesting to say the least.

Oh, and here is a lovely picture from one of my first attempts. I was NOT wearing leggings and my form is, well, how would you say it? Bad. We all have to start somewhere, right?

Good thing to have hat and glasses for a disguise when starting out.

How are you maintaining your goals for 2014?? Feel free to share, but before you do - go and squeeze a loved one!

Chrissy

It's Winter, But We Can Keep It Bright

I'm noticing a pattern of dress as of late.  As I begin to reach for my cute denim pants my fingers recoil at contact. It's as if they have a mind of their own, making a decision to instead grab for the cotton, cozy and giving feel of leggings.   If I continue to make these stretchy wonders apart of my everyday wear I may have to change this blog from Granola-n-Grace to Leggings-N-Grace. Seriously. At least the weekend wear is providing a little variety.

So without further ado, I bring you my next legging ensemble...

Brights, Polka Dots & Pattern Thrown in for Fun

With the crazy winds blowing around Georgia these days there is no point in spending time on hair prep - reach for a hat! Just don't let those nettlesome kids (and sometimes grownups!) grab it off your head in public to reveal hat head.

With a bright floral scarf and bright cross-body purse there is no need to slap on much jewelry. One simple bracelet will do. Also, it's hard to tell but I'm wear some over the knee socks for warmth.

Unafraid to mix black with brown any longer! 

For those who are timid about wearing leggings, a longer skirt is a great way to start.

Well, I will give an outfit breakdown but only the purse and socks have been added to my closet within the last year.  I need to go play with one of my sweaters from Christmas! 

Soon I hope to be writing a post on what is going on in our backyard. Until then I shall enjoy using the mess in our backyard for photo opportunities. 

Underneath the Zara dress and sweater in ANOTHER layer - Stay warm my reader friends. :)

Chrissy

Outfit Breakdown:

Polka Dot Dress: Zara - old

Sweater: Sam's Club - old

Leggings: Sam's Club - old

Jacket: Eddiebauer - old

Boots: Target

Scarf: a friend's

Purse: Clark's (last spring sale)

Over the Knee Socks: Khol's (Christmas gift)

Hat: GAP (old)