Mix It Monday: Blanket Scarf + Outfit

Happy Monday! I have been pretty busy lately, but I am going to continue to put out quality content for you guys. :) Today, I have an adorable outfit with my new blanket scarf.

Outfit details:

Top: Old Navy (similar, similar)

Skirt: Kohl's (similar, similar)

Scarf: Amazon (similar, similar)

Flats: Target (similar, similar)

Belt: Target (similar, similar)

I wanted to try wearing my blanket scarf a new way than just the traditional way. I saw a picture of a blanket scarf belted super similar to the way that I did it here. And that picture inspired this whole outfit. 

I love the way that blanket scarves can totally change an outfit. They are statement pieces that can completely make an outfit. They add so much. Another thing that I love about blanket scarves are that you can wear them so many different ways. You can see a couple of other ways that I have worn this blanket scarf below:

What do you think?

See where I link up here.

Five Minute Friday 2.26.16: Morning

Happy Friday! I am so glad it's the weekend! You, too?! Today, I have a Five Minute Friday post. The topic this week is morning.

So many people feel left in the dark. They feel that God took them and walked with them right into the dark, and then just left them there. They feel abandoned. And because of the darkness, they can't see anything. 

What they don't know is that God is using their time in the darkness to teach them how to trust Him. He uses everything. Even when it feels like He's not there. 

The good news for those that feel abandoned and in the dark: God is light. And, "For His anger lasts only a moment, but His favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes in the morning."-Psalm 30:5 NLT

The night doesn't last forever. At some point, the morning will come. You just have to hold out through the night. 

I want to leave you with lyrics to a song. I took a few of the extra choruses out so that it isn't just repeating itself. This song sort of inspired this post:

Before the Morning by Josh Wilson

Do you wonder why you have to,
Feel the things that hurt you,
If there's a God who loves you,
Where is He now?

Maybe, there are things you can't see
And all those things are happening
To bring a better ending
Some day, some how, you'll see, you'll see

Would dare you, would you dare, to believe,
That you still have a reason to sing,
'cause the pain you've been feeling,
Can't compare to the joy that's coming

So hold on, you got to wait for the light
Press on, just fight the good fight
Because the pain you've been feeling, 
It's just the dark before the morning

My friend, you know how this all ends
And you know where you're going,
You just don't know how you get there
So just say a prayer.
And hold on, cause there's good who love God,
Life is not a snapshot, it might take a little time,
But you'll see the bigger picture

Once you feel the way of glory,
All your pain will fade to memory
Once you feel the way of glory,
All your pain will fade to memory
Memory, memory, yeah

Com'n, you got to wait for the light
Press on, just fight the good fight
Because the pain you've been feeling,
It's just the hurt before the healing
The pain you've been feeling,
Just the dark before the morning
Before the morning, yeah, yeah
Before the morning

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

Shamrock Green + Rose Quartz

7 Awesome Pins about Bullet Journaling

Another Liebster Award

What are your thoughts?

See where I link up here.

Another Liebster Award

Happy Wednesday! I was nominated for the Liebster Award by Lanae over at Modest BudgetBelle. Thanks for nominating me! The Liebster Award guidelines are as follows:

• Thank the blogger who nominated you and link back to them.
• Answer the questions given to you by the blogger who nominated you.
• Nominate up to 11 bloggers.
• Give the nominees 11 questions to answer on their blog.
• Let them know you nominated them.

Here are the questions that Lanae asked me and my answers:

1. What is your favorite fashion brand? I don't really have a favorite brand because I am more of a bargain shopper. I like Old Navy and I also like Lilly Pulitzer even though I don't own any Lilly products. 

2. What fashion blogger inspires you the most and why? I would say that Audrey from Putting Me Together or Merrick from Merrick's Art. Audrey because she was the first ever fashion blogger that I followed and I love her style and the way that she remixes her closet. Merrick because I absolutely love her style and she inspires me to try new fashion trends.

3. What is your favorite activity to do other than blogging? I like singing, playing piano, and listening to music.

4. What inspired you to blog? All of the other bloggers that I love, sharing my testimony, and God inspired me to start a blog.

5. What is your greatest accomplishment?  My greatest accomplishment is. . . I really don't have an answer to this one. I just can't remember any.

6. What is your favorite blog post that you have read so far? I have read WAY too many great blog posts for that, so I will provide you with some of my favorite blogs: Bright on a Budget, Garay Treasures, Cup of Tea, Come Home for Comfort, Faith and Fashion, Away from the Blue, Jennifer Dukes Lee, Kindly Unspoken, and Letter Me Loved. That's just a few, of course. :)

7. What is your favorite place to vacation and why?  My favorite place to vacation would have to be either the Outer Banks, Hunting Island, or Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Again, too many to pick a favorite.

8. What is your favorite book and why? My favorite book is Love Idol by Jennifer Dukes Lee. It is a book about comparison, and your worth in Christ.

9. What dessert do you love the most? Two words: ICE CREAM!

10. What is your go to outfit? My go to outfit is a graphic tee, skinny jeans, and converses.

11.  What is your biggest goal for 2016? My biggest goal for 2016 is to become uncomfortable which you can read more about here.

I am nominating:

Downtown Demure

The Adored Life

Faith and Fashion

Chemistry Cachet

A World of Dresses

Your questions are:

1. What do you like to do in your free time?

2. What is your dream vacation?
3. What is the worst movie/book you have seen/read?
4. Why do you blog?
5. What is your least favorite food?
6. What is your favorite season?
7. What is your favorite blog?
8. If you had a million dollars, what would you do with it and why?
9. What is your favorite song and why?
10. What is your biggest blogging mistake?
11. What is your favorite kind of cake?

What do you think? 

Linking up here.

7 Awesome Pins about Bullet Journaling + a Link-Up!

Happy Tuesday! Today I have a bullet journal post for you guys along with a link up! I am co-hosting Bloggers Who Have Inspired Me which is a weekly link-up that Rachel hosts. Thanks so much, Rachel!

If you don't now what a bullet journal is you can check out this post. It is pretty much like an extensive design-your-own planner.

I have been wanting to make one really badly even though I just discovered it a few weeks ago. I don't really have much of a planner; I just use to-do lists. I know that a bullet journal will get me organized and planned which is something that I really need.

I have been pinning bullet journal articles and I thought that I would share a few with y'all. Also, if anyone has any bullet journal tips, please share them! Thanks!

1. Bullet Journal Gift Guide
This article is full of notebook, pen, accessory, and fountain pen options.

2. Top 12 Bullet Journal Hacks
This pin has tons of hacks and inspiration for your best bullet journal. I think that my favorite thing about bullet journals is that you customize them so that they are made completely for you and by you.

3. Bullet Journal Tips
Chock full with tips for your very own bullet journal, this pin is probably one of my favorites out of the ones that I have pinned so far.

4. 12 things I learned in my first year of using the Bullet Journal
This pin was especially helpful because it gave me lots of tips and tricks.

5. How I Bullet Journal
This pin has a comprehensive list of how she bullet journals and her thoughts on them.

6. My Bullet Journal Set-Up
This pin has a TON of ideas for bullet journals.

7. An In-Depth Guide To Bullet Jounaling
This pin has a few tips that are super helpful.

What are your bullet journal tips?

See where I link up here.

Now for "Bloggers Who Have Inspired Me" link up

Rachel of Garay Treasures blog:

  Rachel is a former full time preschool special education teacher turned full time stay-at- home mom of four children with a passion for substitute teaching and blogging at Garay Treasures on the side. Garay Treasures is a fashion and lifestyle blog with some added posts on faith and everyday treasures. Rachel loves drinking several cups of coffee a day (hot or iced), blogging, and reading and playing with her children. You can follow Rachel by bloglovin, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook or Pinterest.

Meet your co-host Sarah of My Bows and Clothes

Hey, y'all! I am Sarah and I blog over at Bows and Clothes. I blog mostly about style, but with a little bit of life and beauty sprinkled in. I am a Christian. I like fashion, reading, crafting, looking pretty, and girly things like bows and ruffles. I enjoy cooking, and listening to and playing music. I believe that being yourself is vital and that everyone is special and has a purpose. I also believe that a new pair of shoes is always a confidence booster. Blogging is a way for me to give inspiration; whether that inspiration is style, beauty, or encouragement to be yourself. I would love it if you would stop by! Thanks so much, Rachel, for having me! You can follow Sarah by the following ways as you will love her posts on style remixing and faith: Twitter//Bloglovin//Pinterest//Google +

Now on to the Featured 5 from last week:

Loving these date night tips for getting ready in 5 minutes to date your sweetheart.

How lovely is Iris in this lace vintage dress?Find out who she borrowed it from and the history behind it here. I love pieces like these. Thanks for sharing Iris.

While we are thinking on white faux fur vests, see how Kishina styled her's here and perfect with Rose Quartz too.

Nicki shared 6 ways to style a blanket scarf, perfect for the ending of winter!

I love seeing the styles of Shea and her son Jona and here is one that is too cute and perfect for spring transitioning.

Now it is your turn, please follow the rules below and enjoy! 1). Please link up recent posts and include the link up button or post this URL link back on your blog. The posts can be about fashion, DIY projects, recipes, inspiration, tips, etc. *If you link up other link ups or giveaways please be sure you share this link up on your link up post to share the blog love and I will be sure to link up to yours. Also please follow me in the below social medias and let me know how you are following and I will follow back. Thank you! 2). Please follow your host: Rachel of Garay Treasures either by Bloglovin, Instagram, Facebook or Twitter or all. Comment below and let me know how you are following so I can follow back. 3). Stop by and check out the other bloggers who have linked up and be inspired. 4). Have fun! Comment below if you have any questions! Thanks for linking

An InLinkz Link-up

To link up it would be great if you linked my button to your post that you link up. Get button code below:

 

<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.garaytreasures.com" title="Garay Treasures" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.garaytreasures.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/bloggerswhohaveinspiredme.jpg" alt="Garay Treasures" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Shamrock Green + Rose Quartz

Happy Monday! After a long and busy week, I had a restful and relaxing weekend, which was really nice. Today, I have a really comfy outfit for y'all:

Outfit details:

Top: Kohl's (similar, similar)

Sweater: Kohl's (similar, similar)

Jeans: Old Navy (similar, similar)

Boots: gift (similar, similar)

Necklace: Old Navy (similar, similar)

Ring: Forever 21 (similar, similar)

This outfit is perfect for those chilly end-of-winter days. I love it because it's still warm and cozy, but it is also bright for Spring. Plus, Rose Quartz is one of Pantone's colors of the year, and this color green is perfect for St Patrick's day which is right around the corner.

I wasn't sure exactly how the two colors would look together. I, obviously, ended up wearing it, and absolutely loving the way it looked. That's how it always goes, isn't it?

What do you think?

Linking up here.

High Five for Friday + Five Minute Friday 2.19.16

Happy Friday, y'all! It's the weekend! Thank goodness! I have been super busy this past week, so I don't have a whole lot for y'all, but I did want to post something. 

The prompt for Five Minute Friday is forget:

We forget things sometimes. We are human and sometimes we just can't remember what we were going to do next, or where we put those marshmallows. 

I have been super forgetful as of late only because I have so much going on and so much filling my brain. And, because I am prone to thinking, constantly thinking about this, that, and the other. 

But, I think that what we forget most is just how loved we are. And just how great God's grace is. 

The other day, I was going through my routine and I was doing my regular devotions. I like to listen, or rather, sing, worship songs before I read and study my devotions. And a song came on called Like an Avalanche by Hillsong United. The song says, "And I find myself here on my knees again Caught up in grace like an avalanche Nothing compares to this love love love Burning in my heart." 

"....Caught up in grace like an avalanche". When is the last time that we have remembered to just be with God and become caught up in His still amazing grace? It is super refreshing, by the way. Just to sit in His presence.

I challenge you today to remember to sit and be still in Christ's presence and by reminded of His unrelenting love and grace.

STOP.

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

10 Pieces to Get You Prepared for Spring

January Birchbox Review

What do you think?

See where I link up here.

January Birchbox Review

Today, is my second Birchbox review! The January Birchbox was so fun and exciting to open. So, let’s get to it!

amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo
I loved this dry shampoo! I had heard about it before from Kate, and I really wanted to try it, so when I opened my box and found it, I was ecstatic. I had tried other dry shampoos before, but they left a greasy residue. amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo had a great scent and left absolutely no residue. It did its job perfectly.

Eyeko Fat Liquid Liner
I requested this item out of the few that Birchbox allows you to choose each month. I wanted to try eyeliner as I never really wear it. I liked the way that this product applied, and it lasted a long time. But, being a fat liquid liner, it was just too fat for me. It is for those that like dramatic eyes.

IPKN Flash Cream Radiant Primer
This item turned out to work really well! It was super easy to apply and I loved how it absorbed into my skin quickly. Also, it kept my make-up looking great throughout the day.

Real Chemistry Luminous 3-Minute Peel
This product was so super different. It wasn’t what I was expecting at all. It is not like to peel mask that you apply to your face and then peel it off 15 minutes later. Actually, you massage it on your face for 2-3 minutes and it “peels” off your dry, dead skin. I loved it! My skin felt so soft and looked so healthy afterwards.

Whish Three Whishes Body Butter – Lavender
I loved this body butter! It was so smooth and moisturizing, plus the light, lavender scent was amazing!

In addition to all of those, it came with stickers to customize your box with. You can see mine below:

Overall, this box was MUCH better than last month! I loved it a lot!

What do you think?

See where I link up here.

10 Pieces to Get You Prepared for Spring

Happy Monday! Today, I want to share with you 10 pieces that will get you prepared for Spring:

1. Floral Skirt
This adorable floral midi skirt is so perfect for Spring. With its deep blue color that will go with anything and the beautiful floral print, it will take you right on into Spring.

2. Striped Tee
First off, this tee is only $7! Also, it looks super comfy and is an adorable Rose Quartz color. I want this so badly!

3. Striped Blazer
Stripes are super big for Spring, and this blazer is absolutely perfect!

4. Duster Cardigan
I have been wanting to get a duster cardi for a while now. I love this one! It's grey color is stunning and would be a great light layer for Spring!

5. Olive Top
This top is stinking cute! I love its fluttery hem and the olive color = amazing!

6. Boyfriend Jeans
I cannot get enough of these boyfriend jeans! They can be rolled and worn now, or straight into Spring and Summer.

7. Sweater
This sweater is the perfect light layer in the most terrific blue color!

8. Dress
You guys. This dress is so stunning! I am having a hard time not buying it right now. It would layer so well, or you could wear it as is.

9. Flats
Aren't these cutout flats just adorable?! I love the color as well. They would go so well with any of your casual Spring outfits.

10. Color-Block Flats
I love these color block flats. Hey, I love almost anything color blocked. These are just amazing!

Which is your favorite? What do you think?

See where I link up here.

High Five for Friday + Five Minute Friday 2.12.16

Happy Friday! Yay! We made it to the weekend! How was your week? I hope God blessed you immeasurably this week. He did just that for me. Keep reading to see what I was up to this week:

1. The Five Minute Friday prompt today is limit.

We all have our limits. You know, those things that we won't do. Those things that we are absolutely scared to death to do. For some of you, that may be telling others the Good News. For others, it may be riding a roller-coaster, or facing your fear of heights.

For me, it is/was all three of those. I have almost always been afraid to ride a roller-coaster. They just scared to to death. But, this past summer, I did it. I rode a roller-coaster. And enjoyed it. 

There are so many different limits that we have. God calls us to go outside of our limits. He gently pushes us past our boundaries. You know that thing that looks so big and scary? It doesn't look big and scary to God. He knows you and He knows that you can do it if only trust Him and step outside of your limits.

Today, I am daring you and myself to do something that pushes you/me out of our limits. Do something that scares you and find victory in knowing that it doesn't scare you anymore.

2. On Sunday, My church had a Super Bowl party/fundraiser. It was super fun, but just a little bit chaotic and stressful. Other than that, I really enjoyed it! Clarification: I enjoyed the party but not the football game. I am not a Panthers fan or a Broncos fan, but I had to root for someone, so I went for the Panthers and was a bit upset when they didn't win. I truly thought that they would win, but obviously, I thought wrong. Anyway, here was my Super Bowl outfit:

Tunic: Elegantees use the code "BowsandClothes" to get 10% off!

Leggings: Target (similar, similar)

Flats: Target (similar, similar)

Necklace: Wal-Mart (similar, similar)

3. We have had some crazy weather lately. At first it started warming up, then it changed back to frigid temps, and then, on Tuesday, it snowed! Like actual flakes coming down from the sky! Although it didn't stick, it was nice to watch it come down and have a delicious snow day snack. :)

4. I haven't done anything too noteworthy this week, but I have read some great blog posts, so I figured that I would share them here with you:

How to Wear Red and Pink: 2 Outfit Ideas at Shea Lennon

Valentine's Day Gift Guide for Her at Bright on a Budget

Keep Moving Forward at Kindly Unspoken

Valentine's Day Outfit Inspiration at Come Home for Comfort

Turtleneck with a Duster at A Memory of Us

5 Ways to Dress Up Your Valentine's Date Look at Garay Treasures

How to Extend the Life of Valentine’s Day Flowers at Chemistry Cachet

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

5 Swoon-Worthy Outfits Perfect for Valentine's Day

Why I am Not Fasting for Lent this Year

Have a lovely weekend!

Linking up here.

Why I am Not Fasting for Lent this Year

Today is Ash Wednesday which is the start of the Lenten season. The season of Lent starts on Ash Wednesday and ends on Easter Sunday. It is a 40-day period in which one fasts from something to focus on Christ and His sacrifice. In the past and in some religions, one must fast from food. But, most people fast from whatever is standing between them and God.

Yesterday, I sat, kneeling at the edge of my bed, trying to decide what I was going to give up. I thought about giving back more money to various causes. I thought I could fast from purchasing anything for myself. But, I couldn't get this phrase out of my head: "Maybe that there isn't one."

I had texted this phrase to one of my friends when I was helping them with something. What I meant was that maybe they didn't need anything or anyone but to cultivate a relationship with Christ.

I knew exactly what God meant when He kept putting that phrase in my mind. He was telling me that He wants me to continue to focus all of my attention on Him and Him alone. He wants me to keep embracing the uncomfortable and stepping outside my comfort zone. He wants me to continue doing the good things that I am doing, like reading the Bible, worshiping Him, and loving Him and His children outrageously.

He wants me to do all of these things instead of fasting. Instead of focusing all my energy on fasting from TV, or whatever, He wants me to focus all my energy on Him and on what He has been telling me to do all along.

Fasting from something and forgetting what He has already been telling me what to do is not what He wants from me this time.

I have fasted so many times and have failed. No, I haven't broken my fast. But, I have done something that's just as bad. I have focused so hard on depriving myself, that I forgot that the whole point of this fast is to get closer to God.

Maybe it's just me, but I have trouble focusing completely on multiple things. It works a whole lot better when I focus on one thing. And that one thing I am going to focus on is Christ.

That is why I am not fasting for Lent. 

What do you think?

See where I link up here.

5 Swoon-Worthy Outfits Perfect for Valentine's Day

Happy Monday! Valentine's Day is quickly approaching, and I couldn't be happier! I love all of the pretty colors, and all the girly elements of V-Day. Today, I am sharing with you 5 swoon-worthy outfits that are perfect for any of your Valentine's Day gatherings.

1. Purple and Roses

Outfit details:

Dress: Ross (similar, similar)

Chambray: Old Navy (similar, similar)

Necklace: Premier Designs (similar, similar)

Ankle Boots: Target (similar, similar)

This outfit isn't really something that I would normally wear, but I love it! It is always a bit risky to go outside your comfort zone, but most of the time, it turns out great!

This outfit is perfect for date night, or hanging out with your friends.

2. Blanket Scarf and Swing Dress

Outfit details:

Dress: Ross (similar, similar)

Cardigan: Target (similar, similar)

Scarf: Amazon (similar, similar)

Jeans: Old Navy (similar, similar)

Ankle Boots: Target (similar, similar)

I stinking LOVE this outfit! I feel really comfortable in it. It's something I like wearing. I would wear this outfit for Galentine's day, which is a day that you hang out with all your girlfriends. 

3. Tulle and Chambray

Outfit details:

Chambray: Old Navy (similar, similar)

Skirt: Kohl's (similar, similar)

Necklace: Old Navy (similar, similar)

Heels: K-Mart (similar, similar)

This is my favorite of all the outfits featured today. I love it so much! The other day, I mentioned this skirt. This wasn't the special occasion that I was talking about, but I just had to wear it here. Thanks to all you guys's help, I ended up getting a sparkly black crop top to wear with it. 

More about this outfit: I love the casual chambray with the fancy tulle. The pink also adds the perfect touch.

4. Bows!

Outfit details: 

Top: Forever 21 (similar, similar)

Jeans: Old Navy (similar, similar)

Cardigan: Target (similar, similar)

Flats: Target (similar, similar)

I wasn't sure that this outfit was going to work, but it actually looks nice! I didn't know how well the light pink bows would look with the hot pink cardigan. The trick to wearing the same color in a different shade is to make sure that the shades are distinct and not too close.

5. Lavender + Plaid

Outfit details: 

Sweater: Kohl's (similar, similar)

Leggings: Kohl's (similar, similar)

Scarf: Amazon (similar, similar)

Boots: gift (similar, similar)

This outfit would be great for a casual get-together or going out. The lavender goes really well with the pink and red. 

What do you think? Which look is your favorite?

See where I link up here.