Racerback Tank, Green Denim

Hello! Today we are back to Splat bakery, but before you raise your brow I will tell you it was not I who suggested that we meet there. I'll go more into that in just a moment, but first let's talk about these jeans again. How often do I wear these?? It may be two or three times a week. They are officially my go to pants, in spite of the summer rays. It matters not that they are obvious because their comfort means more to me than the populace growing weary of seeing them. lol.

As far as the racerback tank is concerned, I've owned this top for a couple of years now and it seemed  fitting to pair them together. Add a few bracelets, my $5 black sandals from Nordstrom Rack and my black bag and I was ready to go. Only the necklace and the ring are new additions to my closet.

Outfit Breakdown:

Tank: OLD/Green Denim:Marisa Jill's Boutique/Shoes: Nordstrom Rack/Jewelry: Premier Designs

Linking up with Not Dressed As Lamb, Shelbee On The Edge, Living On Cloud Nine, Classy Yet Trendy, High Latitude Style, Elegance and Mommyhood,Twenties Girls Style, Curly Crafty Mom, A Pocketful of Polkadots, Fashion Should be Fun, Weekend Wear Linkup

Now let's get back to why I'm taking you back to SPLAT!. About two years ago I met up with a couple ladies for a pool day with our children.  Rain clouds settled over above, quickly followed by the rain forcing our party indoors. Before we knew it the topic of conversation turned to life with teenagers. At the time my first born was 13 so I was brand new to the teen scene. However, my friends already had a few years experience under their belts. I peppered them with lots of questions, shared scenarios and even some struggles.  The afternoon left refreshed me with an extra dose of "you're normal and not the only one..."

Fast forward those two years, and though I can count on one hand the number of times I texted these two ladies for "help! I need encouragement!", they were always quick to respond. Then it occurred to us. Why don't we get a small group together, to encourage, inspire and uplift each other?

One sentence led to another and before we knew it, we had a date on the calendar to meet up at the local bakery. What fun! I left thinking about areas where I may need to let up on my teens, as well as areas where I should probably reign it in some. However, the biggest sentiment I went with is that I'm not alone. I don't have to do this alone. Another important thought I went home with is I don't have to wait for someone else to include me in their group. If I need some encouraging, I should just ask. More likely than not, they could use the encouragement as well.  Don't forget to include those that are where you are, as well as those who have a some experience; ones that have been there and done that. I know that seems obvious, but just in case! ;)

Now before I close, here was the FREE cupcake for the day...It went to Heather, who had celebrated her birthday the day before

***24 Carrot***

Heather, me, Jen, Kim, Amy, Jennifer

"As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." Proverbs 27:17

Thank you for reading my friends!

Chrissy

Red, White & Cognac

Outfit Breakdown:

Top, Dress and Shoes are all second hand or castoffs from friends!

Headband is a gift from Romania

Jewelry: Blanca Necklace, Dessert Diva Bracelet and Cleo Earrings by Premier Designs

Handbag: Amazon, gift

Linking up with Living On Cloud Nine, Shelbee On The Edge, Not Dressed As Lamb, Elegance and Mommyhood, High Latitude Style, Classy Yet Trendy, A Pocketful of Polkadots, Fashion Should be Fun, Weekend Wear Linkup

Hello! What are you doing this Holiday? What are you wearing? ;) The outfit in these pics came together quickly, but it was built from the hair down. I don't think this is the first time I tried to put an ensemble together to make a hat or hair accessory work. Have you done this? It all started when I ran all four boys to get their hair cut and the sweet stylist noticed me struggling with my hairband. 

"Would you like me to show you how I style my hair with those? "

"Of course!"

She finished up the boys and then proceeded to help me get my short, layered hair tucked in and rolled around this head scarf. 

I watched her start at the side of my head with a small section of hair, tuck it into the scarf and then wrap it around. She repeated this until she got to the center of the back of my head and then went to the other side, where she repeated her first steps. Once she got back to the center she pinned the remaining two strands together in the back. 

I liked the final result and knew that even though I had to change for a party later that evening, I would find a way to make whatever I wore work with this band!

I got home and started digging until I happened upon this dress, passed on to me by a friend last year. I've yet to wear it but today was going to be the day.  Add a few accessories and i was ready to go celebrate this talented cutie.

Hannah is a high schooler no more! She has accompanied me with guitar and voice on many occasions, but I've lost count of the many times I've accompanied her with back up vocals! What a sweet privilege to be a small part of her full life.

I guess I should get her a cupcake one of these days. ;)

********

Now let's talk about these pics...Don't I look tired? Some may say haggard? I will be honest and say a little drained and I should have slapped some color on my eyes!! I have a penchant for filling up my schedule with STUFF, adding on more errands than necessary, commitments, etc while my usual responsibilities need tending to. I'll go to bed late knowing that my inner alarm clock has no concept of sleeping in. What does all this STUFF with little sleep add up to? A weepy, negative, overly sensitive and withdrawn downer of a gal.

By now I've learned that what I'm feeling and thinking on those days is not to be listened to! Ignore the lies and the garbage. I appreciate my husband, who has learned to just listen on those days. He will remind me of what's true, but mostly he will listen. And that's what I need.  

Another gift he will give me, is time to myself by entertaining the boys. I read my first fiction book of the year this weekend! I was desperate and texted a friend, who happened to have Beth Moore's first fiction novel (The Undoing Of St Silvanus) on hand. It only took a couple chapters before I was drawn into the plot thickened with mystery and even a little suspense.  I enjoy both! Good job Beth Moore!

The book was a fun escape and the weather a perfect companion with light breezes while I lazed in the hammock or sat outside the bakery (yes SPLAT cakes again!) in the shade. I will still have to deal with little hurts, disappointments, etc but for that I go to my heavenly Father. I listen to praise music, read my Bible and remind myself that He is in control of it all, He loves me unconditionally and always has a plan! 

Truth! Truth! Truth!

"But You, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness and truth." Ps 86:15

"Cast all your anxiety on him because He cares for you." I Peter 5:7

I leave you with final thoughts of this Chocoholic cupcake from SPLAT (click here if you have read the latest in my cupcake adventures), after all chocolate soothes a weary gal as well, right?! ;) But this puppy was actually dropped off at a neighbors by the cutest delivery buddy ever!

"Congrats on Your New Business Venture" Delivery 

Also included in this week's cupcake runs was a "Here Comes the Bride" cupcake. No she wasn't getting married, but she does love the movie "The Princess Bride" so why not??

Happy Belated Birthday to Stacey!

That's probably more than most will read for today, so I better end now and get this present day going.  My hopes for the summer are to get more leisure reading done, more cupcakes delivered and more songs added to my limited guitar playing repertoire. How about you?

Chrissy

Jumpsuit: Take 2 Navy & Hat

It was the last day of 2nd grade for my youngest boys!! How did we get here? And since I'm determined to find a style that suits me in this jump suit (no pun intended), I bring you Take 2!  In fact, I'm wearing this baby right now - without the extra layer. Wohoo! I look forward to sharing how that turned out with you soon. (Though I will give you a break and post some other outfits in between.)

This ensemble came together when I decided the hair was beyond saving and only a hat would work. I like the way the greens complemented each other, while the navy brand pulled the outfit together. The rest was a quick pull of accessories and I was ready to go.

 Outfit Breakdown

Jumpsuit: GAP/Button Up: LOFT(Old)/Shoes: Nordstrom Rack (Are you seeing a pattern here?)/Purse: Amazon/Jewelry: Premier Designs (yet another pattern)

Again, the jumpsuit is so comfortable. Again, I fight with the top portion continues. Do I want to show breasts? Do I want to show braw straps? Neigh, I say!

Here's another peek at Style 1...

Which one is your favorite??

Cupcake Adventures With Splat Cakes N Such

There was no question as to who would get my free cupcake today! This sweet teacher just completed her first year of teaching and she did a fabulous job. My boys loved her and she was patient, kind and motivating.  I had to bring a few extras for those others who played a role in making our life richer at AES.

Today's cupcake of choice was called Black-N-Tan, which is the chocolate version of the their Salted Carmel. I grabbed a few extra for those who added to Evan and Caden's success at the school. ;)

The madness behind the cupcakes.  In review, I won an entry for a free cupcake a day for an entire year. What are the terms? I have to show up in person to collect, but when I do I have the pleasure of spending time with the sweet owners of the bakery and, of course, my pick of any of their fabulous cupcakes.

What am I doing with these cupcakes? I give most of them away. Oh yes. There is so much fun to be had in surprising folks with a tasty treat. Now.  I feel I do need to taste some of these delectables in order to give my honest review. Wink. Wink. But in all serious, when someone asked me what my favorite was I gave them a blank stare, as I had only been in the shop twice before my winnings?

How do I Decide on who gets the cupcake?  Well big, special days like birthdays, graduations, successful plays, etc make the choice easy! The rest depends on where I'll be on that particular day. As over the top as this may seem, I'm praying about ways I can bless others with this. If the adventure ended tomorrow, I'd be sad!

Random Silliness...

It's hard to believe another year is over. 

More adventures to come!

Linking up with Classy Yet Trendy, Shelbee On The Edge, Living On Cloud Nine, A Pocketful of Polkadots, Weekend Wear Linkup, Fashion Should be Fun

Chrissy

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