High Five for Friday + Five Minute Friday

Happy Friday, you guys! We made it to the weekend! Thank goodness! Read on to see the five high points of my week:

1. The theme for today's Five Minute Friday is quiet.

When I think about the word quiet, I think about the opposite of business. I have been pretty busy lately, but the Lord has been prompting me to prioritize. He has reminded me that in the midst of all the mess and business, He wants me to focus on Him. 

Part of focusing on Him is being still and quiet. I have a hard time being still. I like to do things. I enjoy getting tasks done and checking them off my to-do list. It makes me feel good about myself. But, God beckons us to stop what we are doing, and to spend some quiet, alone time with Him. 

When we stop and get quiet, we are reminded of God's mercy and grace. When we are still, we allow God to speak to us. We allow Him to work and move in our lives. I don't know about you, but that is all I want. To be still and know, truly know, that He is God.

2. Last week was tremendously busy. But, instead of dwelling on the business and the fact that my time was running down, I switched my focus to how much I had already gotten done. It was hard, but by God's grace, I got through. This week has been much better and for that I am thankful.

3. Lately, I don't know what it is, but I have been really drawn to outfits with lots of layers. This pin has really inspired me as well as the photo below. Sorry for the really bad quality. It has been pretty cold and snowy, but it supposed warm up, so I don't think that I will be wearing outfits like these soon. :)

4. There is a very formal event that I am going to in a month or two. I already have a skirt which you can see below this. I have been looking for a top to go with it for forever. I just can't seem to find one that I like and that matches. I don't want white or pink because they would clash with the skirt. I have been looking at black and gold colors, but I just can't find one that is fancy enough. I would wear a crop top or a regular one. Have any ideas? If you see something, just send it my way. :)

5. Just in case you missed them, here are this week's posts:

Marsala + Black and a New Schedule

Real is the New Black

What do you think?

Linking up with these lovely ladies.

Real is the New Black

Happy Wednesday! My one little word for this year is uncomfortable. Along with that, God also called me to embrace vulnerability. When I think of being vulnerable, I think of weakness, defenselessness, and susceptibility. My gut reaction is "Ugh. Really, God? You want me to be weak in front of people. Sorry, but that ain't happening." 

Then, as I ponder this and take it all in, I am reminded of 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 which says, 

"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

So, I am supposed to be weak because when I am weak, God's power is able to shine through so that others can see Him in me. 

Also, God has shown me that vulnerable doesn't always mean weak. In fact, I like to refer to vulnerable as exposed, sensitive, wide open, honest, open to criticism, allowing people to look in and see me, real.

And that brings me to the meat of this post: vulnerability means being real. And by real I mean not hiding my emotions, not putting up this facade that is nothing but a facade. It means letting people see me cry, laugh, grieve, cheer, have fun. It means to stop fearing what people think and just be myself and the person who God wants me to be.

As I embrace vulnerability, I am reminded of God's grace. His grace is what allows me to be real. It is what helps me when I fall and when I fail. His grace is all I need. When I am surrounded by His grace, it allows me to to be real because Jesus didn't die for fake me, He died for real me. Real is the new black.

What are your thoughts?

Linking up with these lovely ladies.

Marsala + Black and a New Schedule

Happy Monday! I am sorry that it has been a little quiet here. I have been immensely busy. Because of how busy I have been, I am going to change my posting schedule from Monday, Tuesday Wednesday, and Friday, to Monday, Wednesday, Friday. I hate that I have to limit my posting, but I know that this minor change will be beneficial. It will also allow me just a little more time to connect with you, my lovely readers. I love responding to your comments and questions. I have also been trying to update my blog design since the end of November. Maybe I'll get to that soon as well. 

Today, I am sharing with you a new outfit that I just recently wore and loved it.

Outfit details:

Top: Old Navy (similar, similar)

Jeans: Old Navy (similar, similar)

Shoes: Target (exact-on sale!, similar)

Bangles: (similar, similar)

Necklace: Charming Charlie (similar, similar)

Fitbit

Photography by Allie D.

I loved this outfit! It was super comfy and casual. When I wore this outfit, I actually swapped the necklace for a scarf like this one. Also, I wore a black belt to make the half-tuck look a little more polished. 

Probably my favorite part of this look, is the fact that the whole outfit is neutral except the top. Having it that way helps the shirt to shine in all of it's marsala glory. 

Also, I am guest posting over at Garay Treasures today on an outfit that I recreated from Pinterest. Go check it out here and give her some love!

What do you like most about this outfit?

Linking up here.

My First Birchbox Review- December Box

Happy Wednesday! For Christmas, I was gifted a 3-month Birchbox subscription. I have loved getting them in the mail and I am even more exited to tell you my thoughts!

 This is what my box looked like:

This is what I got inside my box:

Make Face Gloss

This product had a neat concept, but it just wasn't for me. You are supposed to apply this face gloss on your cheekbones and the bridge of your nose to create a dewy glow. The first problem was that I didn't know how to apply it. It was also extremely goopy and sticky. It felt like I had syrup on my face. It may just be me, but I was not satisfied with this product.

LOC One-and-Done Shadow Stick- On Point

At first, I really liked this eyeshadow. And I still do, but I did have an issue with it. I loved its smooth and easy application. It looks like a crayon. The On Point shade was gold and sparkly which I loved. My problem was that as I was applying it to my other eyelid, the tip broke off and I could no longer use it very effectively. Maybe I was applying too hard?

amika Nourishing Mask

I have heard amazing things about amika, so when I tried this mask, my expectations were pretty high. The best part is that my expectations were fulfilled! I loved this mask! You apply it to the ends of your hair and let it sit for a few minutes just like other conditioners. It smelled amazing and worked really well. I don't think that I would actually purchase the full size because the conditioner that I already use works almost as well. Overall, it was great!

Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Cream

This product is a cream that is supposed to moisturize and hydrate skin while still being lightweight. I liked this product and I think it worked well. I have normal to dry skin and in these dry winter months, I need lots of moisture. This cream just didn't do it for me for now. I loved how lightweight and how quickly it absorbed into my skin. I would use this during the summer when I don't need as much moisture.

Harvey Prince Hello Perfume

I liked this perfume. It smells fresh and bright. I wouldn't say that I was highly impressed, though. It smelled nice is all that I can say about it.

Votivo Red Currant Tin Candle

I loved this candle! It burnt well and it smells SO AMAZING! It is light, rich, and luxurious smelling. Loved it!

I was not compensated in any way for this review nor are these affiliate links. However, if you would like to purchase a Birchbox subscription, go to this link which will give me some points towards the Birchbox shop.

What do you think?

See where I link up here.

7 Gorgeous Vests Perfect for Any Wardrobe

Happy Tuesday! Vests are a downright staple for any type of wardrobe. They layer really well and if your winter isn't as cold as Alaska, they are a great light layer. Here are 7 gorgeous vests that are perfect for any wardrobe:

one, two, three, four, five, six, seven

I stinking LOVE each of these! They are perfectly adorable. My favorites are. . . ummm. . . I really just like them all! I could never pick which I like better. Number three, the ivory one, also comes in a bright red which I cannot get enough of.

I have wanted a vest for a while, but I just haven't got one yet. Having these few right in front of me all in one place really helps to actually bite the bullet and buy one. . . or all! Haha! :)

What do you think? Which vest is your favorite?

See where I link up here.

Military Jacket + Orange Lace

Happy Monday! I hope that you had a lovely weekend! Today I have an outfit post for you:

Outfit details: 

Top: LOFT (similar, similar)

Jeans; Old Navy (similar, similar)

Jacket: Old Navy (similar, similar)

Necklace (similar, similar)

Shoes: K-Mart (similar, similar)

I am so in love with this color combination. Olive green goes with lots of colors, but I think that orange and light pink are my favorites. I especially like the rusty tint that this orange top has.

This is one of the first outfits that I wore after Dressember. Even though I enjoyed wearing dresses for a great cause, and I love dresses, I was super glad to be able to wear my jeans again. It felt so good! I have to admit, it has been really nice to wear pants. 

Most people don't think that they will be able to pull off super edgy or super girly pieces. The secret to wearing them is to add pieces that are close to opposite. For instance: here I wore frilly lace with my edgy military jacket to balance it out. Plus, you always end up looking really sophisticated and put-together.

What color would you wear with olive? What do you think?

See where I link up here.

High Five for Friday + Five Minute Friday

Happy Friday, you guys! Ahhhhh. That is me breathing a sigh of relief. We made it to the weekend!! I am so excited! 

The other day, I discovered a Friday link up called Five Minute Friday. FMF is a link up in which you write for five minutes about a one word topic that Kate provides. It's all unedited which is one of my favorite parts about it. So, each Friday, one of my five for High Five for Friday will be my Five Minute Friday.

1. Time. It's that thing that I am constantly saying I never have enough of. "Sorry, I can't do _____ because I don't have enough time." Or, "I wish I could do _____, but I just do not have enough time"

I frequently find myself saying, "I just don't have enough time to do that." But, if what I am wanting to do or participate in is really worth it, I should somehow have time, right? 

Some people say that they will just have to make time. But, wait, can we as humans add more time to our day? No, we can't. We only have the allotted 24 hour in a day. 

And then I think, "Is having more time really important?" Maybe, what we do with the time that we are allotted is actually what we should be focusing on. Just a thought.

2. This week has been one of the busiest weeks in a very long time. I have been struggling with a few things. BUT, God works in amazing ways. I am so thankful for a perfect God who loves us unconditionally!

3. For Christmas, I was gifted a 3-month Birchbox subscription. So far, I have received two boxes and have been loving the products. On Wednesday, I will be posting my first Birchbox review, so look out for that! If you would like to order a subscription, you can do so here.

4. I have been wearing all of my new clothes that I got for Christmas and have really been loving creating new outfits with them. Style and fashion are a couple of my creative outlets, and I enjoy making up new outfits and styling new pieces.

5. Just in case you missed them here are this weeks posts:

Chambray a New Way

The Most Popular Color for the Year-Light Pink

Loving Others Selflessly

See where I link up here.

Loving Others Selflessly

Happy Wednesday! The week is halfway over! This week has been busy and will continue to be busy until Sunday. But, like I said yesterday, busy doesn't always mean bad. 

Today, I am going to talk about loving others. Interestingly, I keep hearing or reading John 13:34-35, and I believe that God is trying to tell me something. John 13:34-35 says, "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

Loving others isn't always easy. It's actually quite hard. Loving others can be uncomfortable, but God is showing me that most great things are uncomfortable. 1st Corinthians 13 says that without love, we have nothing. Also, it essentially says that love is selfless. I don't know about you, but to me, selfless love seems difficult and kind of scary. The definition of selfless is "having little or no concern for oneself".  I don't know if I am ready to have no concern for myself.

God calls us to love selflessly. Without concern for ourselves. Gently, He calls us to love without wanting anything in return. He calls us to love the unlovable and even the ones who do everything but love us. When we, as Christians, love only the people who love us in return, we become hypocrites because God loves us in spite of our failures and shortcomings. So, we should love others in that same way. 

As John 13:34-35 tells us, our love defines us. The way that we love others--and God--describes and determines who we are. If our love defines us, then who are we? Do we represent Christ and the way that He loves us, or do we look like the world? 

When we love the way that God wants us to, barriers are broken, walls of separation are shattered and hearts are healed and made whole again. Our lives, and the lives of those around us, change when we choose to love selflessly, the way God wants us to.

One thing remains: How can you and I love so that the barriers are broken and lives are changed when we are extremely busy and can never catch a breath? Thankfully and amazingly, God doesn't ask us to do it all. It is only through Him and because of Him that we are even able to love others. We don't have to do the miracle working because that is God's job. It is not our responsibility to do everything. We must simply obey God as He calls us to love others and walk closely with Him, and he will take care of the rest.

What do you think? When is it hardest for you to love others?

Linking up with these wonderful parties.

The Most Popular Color for the Year- Light Pink

Happy Tuesday! I hope that you had a good Monday. Mine was nice, but busy. Busy can mean good sometimes, though. Busy means I'm not sick and I have great friends and responsibilities. That's not all that bad, right? :)

Today, I am sharing with you a compilation of clothes and accessories that are all in light pink which is the most popular color for this year.

one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen, fifteen, sixteen

My search to find items in this light pink color proves just how popular light pink is for 2016. I found countless pieces. I wish I could have showed you all of them. I am telling you, light pink is THE "it" color for this year.

All of these pieces are $50 and under! Easily, this light pink color can take you from winter all the way through fall. Some colors that you go really well with it are: burgundy, olive green, grey, brown, deep purple, cobalt, even dark orange. 

I absolutely cannot get enough of this beautiful color that is extremely versatile and would look amazing on anyone.

What do you think? Which piece is your favorite?

See where I link up here.

Chambray a New Way

Happy Monday! How was your weekend? Mine was really nice! Today I am sharing with you an outfit post in which I wear my beloved chambray shirt in a new way.

Outfit details:

Chambray: Old Navy (similar, similar)

Top: Kohl's (similar, similar)

Scarf: gift (similar, similar)

Pants: Old Navy (similar, similar)

Boots: Target (similar, similar)

Photography by Allie D.

Usually, I just wear my chambray shirt buttoned up like regular, or I will tie it over a dress. Instead of wearing it in those ways, I decided to try something new and leave it open like a cardigan.

New and different from what I normally wear, this chambray shirt outfit turned out quite nice. I really liked the way it looked and how casual and cute it was. The chambray shirt also added a light layer to keep me warm, but not too warm.

Trying new and different things is difficult for me in all aspects of life besides clothes. I am pretty adventurous when it comes to fashion and style, but everywhere else, I'd just rather keep everything the same. 

God is teaching me, especially through this new year, that change is good, healthy even. I need to learn that change is a normal part of life, and I need to accept it. I am trying to be more outgoing and adventurous. It's just not always easy. But, then again, God never called me to an easy life.

What do you think? Do you like change, or do you run from it like me?

See where I link up here.

Dressember isn't over yet! I encourage you prayerfully consider donating to Dressember which is an organization that works to free women and children from the awful injustice of trafficking. They need you and me to work together. Here is the link to donate. Any amount is allowed. Donating is fast, easy, and secure. Also, I want to thank everyone who has donated and raised awareness for Dressember. Thank you!

High Five for Friday: 5 Super Easy Ways to Keep Your New Years Resolutions

Happy Friday! For this week"s High Five for Friday post, I am showing you guys a few easy ways to keep your New Years resolutions. Even though I did not make resolutions this year, all of these tips apply to those, like me, who picked one little word for 2016.

1. Tell others
It is imperative that you share with others your resolutions or one little word. You don't have to tell everybody if you don't want to. I shared my one little word with my family and a couple of close friends. I also plan to tell my small group at church. A few options would be: friends, family, church family, accountability partner, small group, support group, etc. You should tell them so that they can help keep you on track.

2. Post them/it
If you write your resolutions or word down and post them all around, you will be more inclined to accomplish them since you will actually remember them. I would post them on your mirror, in your room, on your fridge, and where you spend most of your time. You will continue to read them and, therefore, remember them.

3. Start small
Instead of tackling your resolutions head on, try to think of practical ways that you can work on keeping them daily. For instance, if one of your goals is to lose weight, instead of cutting out all sugar, carbs, and exercising like crazy, start small by maybe drinking more water. Then, once you've got drinking more water down, try adding in more exercise, or stop eating sugar. If you don't start small, you will end up failing to complete your resolutions.

4. Ask God
Without God, we can do nothing. We are weak, but He is strong. So, why don't you pray and ask God to help you accomplish your goals? If it is His will that you complete them, He will help you and equip you with His amazing power.

5. Just start!
Don't wait until you feel like it or when you think it might be convenient to start trying to complete your resolutions. If you wait, you will never accomplish them because you will just keep procrastinating and putting it off. Something that I have learned is to just start things. Plunge in head first.

What are your tips? What goal is the hardest to accomplish?

ICYMI: Here are this week's posts

One Word

Save or Splurge: Winter Style

Currently: January 2016

See where I link up here.

Dressember isn't over yet! I encourage you prayerfully consider donating to Dressember which is an organization that works to free women and children from the awful injustice of trafficking. They need you and me to work together. Here is the link to donate. Any amount is allowed. Donating is fast, easy, and secure. Also, I want to thank everyone who has donated and raised awareness for Dressember. Thank you!

Currently: January 2016

Happy Wednesday! It's time for the monthly Currently post that I participate in. Thanks Anne and Jenna for hosting each month! This months topics are: resolving, reading, organizing, loving, and craving.

Resolving
This year, I overall just want to be a better person. Instead of making multiple resolutions, I decided to listen to what one word that God wants me to focus on this year. You can read all about that one word here.

Reading
Right now, I am reading Opening the Door to Your God-Sized Dream: 40 Days of Encouragement for Your Heart by Holley Gerth. Having not read any book by Holley Gerth, I am really enjoying this one. It is more of a devotional type of book with daily devotions. I have wanted to read one of her books, and the new year seemed like a great excuse. 

Organizing
I am not a big organizer, but I do hate it when my bedroom is too messy. My room was looking really cluttered last week, so I decided to tidy it up a bit. I headed out to the Dollar Tree and Walmart and purchased a few cheap containers. I moved a couple of things around, got rid of some stuff, and reorganized a bit. My bedroom looks great, and I feel at lot less stressed. :)

Loving
Lately, I am loving life. Life has really been great. This year has started out really well and I am enjoying it immensely. Nothing super exciting has happened, but I have just had this joy. I can't explain it, but I am just super happy and am really enjoying this life that God has graciously given me.

Craving
I have been craving all the salty snacks. I have a big sweet tooth, so I usually crave desserts, but for some reason, I have been wanting crackers, pretzels, and nuts. I try to be as healthy as possible, so pretzels and crackers aren't usually in my diet. It has taken a lot of self-control and giving in to stop this craving. :)

What about you? 

Also, Dressember fundraising pages will continue to be open until January 31st. I encourage you to prayerfully consider donating to Dressember to free the women and children that are stuck in trafficking.

See where I link up here.

Save or Splurge: Winter Style

Happy Tuesday! Today, I am sharing with you a new sporadic series called Save or Splurge where I share with you pieces that look a lot alike and one of them is a save, and one is a splurge. For today's, I am highlighting winter style: ponchos, over the knee boots, blanket scarves, trench coats, over-sized sweaters, and quilted vests.

-Poncho

save, splurge

I have never really been that much of a poncho kind of girl, but they are coming back, and I really like these. I would definitely wear them.

-OTK Boots

save, splurge

I, also, am not really a OTK boots person. Although, these are so simple and classic that they are growing on me.

-Blanket Scarf

save, splurge

I just recently got a blanket scarf like both of these, and I recommend purchasing one if you don't already own one. I love each of these, they would be a really great addition to any closet. They keep you super warm from those cold winter winds.

-Trench Coat

save, splurge

A nice, large trench coat is a must for winter. I love their warmth and they are super chic.

-Over-sized Sweater

save, splurge

I have a couple of giant sweaters, and I love them. Super comfortable, they allow me to look nice all the while feeling like I am still in my pj's. Plus, this color is so pretty.

-Quilted Vest

save, splurge

I don't have a vest, but it is definitely on my wishlist. I love the little bit of warmth and cuteness that it adds. Especially, I like the quilted ones because they are less puffy and, therefore, add less bulk.

I hope you enjoyed this post. One who looks for great deals, I like doing a side-by-side of pieces like these.

Which is your favorite? 

See where I link up here.

One Word

This week, I am switching my schedule up a bit: Instead of an outfit post on Monday,today, I will not have an outfit post for you, and instead of an encouragement post on Wednesday, it's this post today. Tuesday's post will be the normal style post, and Wednesday's post will be Currently.

I hope you had a really great New Years! Thank you, readers, for reading and following my blog. I really appreciate your support! Thank you! :)

This year, through a Bible plan, I decided that instead of making resolutions, I was going to simplify things and just pick one word for the coming year. 

Nine out of ten people will fail with their New Years resolutions. One-half will fail by the end of January. For these reasons and because I am one of those people who aren't very good at keeping resolutions, I thought I would try just picking one word. Also, it's not really you picking a word for yourself. It's actually praying and asking God to reveal a word to you. He knows the future, so He knows what your word should be.

As I was praying and struggling to block out all distractions and really hear from God, I did. In a small voice, God revealed to me my word. My word for this year is uncomfortable. I get kind of uncomfortable just thinking about it.

When it really sunk in, I realized that this year is going to be a year of growth. I am going to be stretched in so many ways. I am the person who likes to stay in my comfort zone. I run away when I see any sign that I may be uncomfortable, so this year is going to be a big change for me. But that's okay. As Henry Wadsworth Longfellow said, "All things must change to something nw, to something strange."

This coming year, I need to allow myself to be uncomfortable and vulnerable. My mantra is "Embrace the uncomfortable." I need to have raw trust. And I need to learn to show my emotions and opinions. I have lived way too long being indifferent and passive.

I think that having just one word will help me to keep my focus on what God has for me this year. I think that it will be very beneficial. I look forward to this new year and everything that God has in store for me!

What is one word that would describe this new year for you?

Also, Dressember fundraising pages will continue to be open all the way through January 31st. I will continue to share the website link with y'all so that you can donate if you wish.

See where I link up here.