3 Perfectly Pretty Patriotic Outfits

I've always loved dressing up for holiday's. For Independence Day, I love mixing red, white, and blue with my favorite basic pieces. By adding pretty feminine touches to picnic looks, 3 beautiful outfits develop.

STRIPES + TASSELS

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Most of these pieces are basics that everyone would have in their closet. By adding a couple of fun, patriotic items, the look instantly becomes perfect for the 4th.

PATRIOTIC PATTERN MIX

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Everyone knows that white pants are always a must for the perfect patriotic look. I included a gorgeous blue patterned top and a striped tote to spice it up. The accents of gold and brown are the perfect additions.

ROMPIN' AROUND

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I have been wanting a romper for awhile and have been looking all over the place for one. This one is so adorable and perfect for July 4th. In this outfit, I just added a red, white, and blue colored necklace to the mix of basic pieces to make it patriotic.

How would you put together a patriotic outfit?

I am hosting my first ever link-up with Mackenzie from Spreading His Grace! On July 11th, Grace + Lace link up will go live for the first time ever! This link up has no theme; you may link up whatever you'd like! A new link up will go live every Monday after the 11th. We hope you would come and add your links to gain new friends and inspiration!

Linking up here.

2 Black + White Outfits with a Pop of Color

Happy Monday! Like I mentioned here, today, I have for you an outfit post which was shot at Edisto Beach.

Outfit #1 details:

Top: (similar, similar)

Skirt: Sweetly Made by MJ

Shoes: Kohl's (exact, similar)

Earrings: Charming Charlie (very similar, similar)

Watch: Charming Charlie (similar, similar)

Scarf: (similar, similar)

Outfit #2 details:

Top: (similar, similar)

Skirt: Sweetly Made by MJ

Shoes: Kohl's (exact, similar)

Earrings: Charming Charlie (very similar, similar)

Watch: Charming Charlie (similar, similar)

Necklace: A Dip of Darling (similar, similar)

Photography by Allie D.

My favorite outfits to wear are those that are all neutral with just a little pop of color. Both of these looks fulfill that. They are so versatile. Here, I wore the same outfit, but just switched out the pop of color. And it became a totally different outfit.

This skirt is the comfiest skirt on the planet! I love it so much and would wear it literally every day. I totally recommend you buy one of them! When I got this skirt, it was a joy to work with Monique from Sweetly Made by MJ, and her products are top notch!

What are your thoughts?

Linking up here.

High Five for Friday | Movies + a Link-up!

Happy Friday! How was your week? Mine was super great!! Read on to see the five high points of my week.

1. The prompt for Five Minute Friday is rest:

I have never been a nap person. I always end up feeling worse after my nap than before my nap. But, as I have gotten busier and busier, I have learned the power of a short nap.

On my busiest days, sometimes, I take a break from my to-do list and take a power nap. Usually, they last only about 10-25 minutes. Even though they are short, they are power. After I rest for a while, I feel so much better and have the energy to tackle the rest of my to-do list. 

2. On Saturday, I got back from a week long vacation to Edisto Beach, SC. One reason why I took a break from social media last week was because of this vacation. I had such a super great time hanging at the beach with my family! Here are a few pictures:

Come back on Monday for my outfit post that was shot at the beach! 3. I have a SUPER BIG announcement!! I am starting a link-up with Mackenzie from Spreading His Grace! The link-up is called Grace + Lace. There is no theme with this link-up; we would like it to be open to any post of yours that you would like to link as long as it is appropriate. The link-up will be every Monday starting on July 11. Yay! I'm so excited!

4. On Tuesday, I went with a couple of my friends to the movies to see Finding Dory. It was so cute and a perfect sequel to Finding Nemo. I had such a great time!

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

Pink Eyelet + Black

6 Absolute Best Curly Hair Products

Have an amazing weekend!!

Linking here.

6 Absolute Best Curly Hair Products

Happy Wednesday! Today, I am sharing my favorite products for curly hair:

1. CLEAR Scalp & Hair Shampoo + Conditioner

This shampoo and conditioner is perfect if you have curly hair. It is gentle and sulfate free. I love that it keeps my hair hydrated and nourished while getting it super clean as well.

2. Old T-Shirt

Instead of using a towel to dry your hair- curly or not- it is so much better to use a t-shirt. When you use a towel to dry your hair, the rough terry cloth causes breakage and frizz.

3. Ouidad VitalCurl Define & Shine Styling Gel-Cream

I got a sample of this in my Birchbox {full review here}. I have loved using it! It is a great styling product that is not too heavy, but also has great hold and keeps away the frizz.

4. No-Crease Hair Ties

With curly hair, even though it's already kinky, when you use regular hair ties, a crease shows right where you had your hair up. These hair ties are crease-less, so you don't have that problem anymore.

5. TRESemme Flawless Curls Extra Hold Mousse

This is my all time favorite, holy grail mousse. It is stinking perfect! It holds curls for over 24 hours. It says 24, but I'm serious it holds longer. This mousse isn't drying and it doesn't create too much oil either. Literally, it's perfect.

6. DevaCurl Mist-er Right

I just bought this product a couple of weeks ago, but I'm already in love with it. It revitalizes curls and smells so amazing. It works well and you really don't need much.

What are your favorite hair products- curly or not?

Linking up with these lovely ladies.

Pink Eyelet + Black

Happy Monday! I hope your weekend was lovely! Today, I have an outfit post for y'all featuring one of my favorite color combinations.

Outfit details:

DRESS: Old Navy (similar, similar)

SWEATER: Old Navy (similar, similar)

WEDGES: Target (similar, similar)

BRACELET: (similar, similar)

NECKLACE: Charming Charlie (similar, similar)

One of my all time favorite color combinations to wear is pink and black. Simple and classic, pink + black is one of the easiest to wear as well. 

Although the color combo is simple, this outfit is nothing short of interesting. The eyelet lace adds a beautiful and interesting texture. Then, when the embellished shoes are added to the mix, the outfit is even more delightful. 

Dresses like the one that I am sporting above are so wearable. They have structure, but not too much. It is super easy to layer on top or even underneath. Plus, many retailers carry such dresses.

What are your thoughts? What is one of your favorite color combos?

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See where I link up here.

A Bit of a Break

Hey, y'all! For this week, I am going on a blogging and social media break. Sometimes, it's healthy to take a break to reconnect with actual life and stop being so distracted. Thanks so much for understanding! Love you guys!

High Five for Friday- Mail Day + Art

Happy Friday! How was your week? Keep on reading to see the five high points of my week!

1. The prompt for Five Minute Friday is want.

I am a shopper. I was just born that way. I love to shop. One problem with that is if I see something I want, I feel that I need to buy it.

A lot of times, my wants tend to become needs in my head. I have had to learn to say no to myself when I want something, but don't really need it,

This mentality doesn't just have to apply to shopping habits. Sometimes, my body tells me I need to eat food, and my brain tricks me and tells me that I need junk food. I don't need junk food, but I want it.

When I tend to want too many things that I don't really need, I must step back and really evaluate what it is that I want  and see if it's what I really need.

2. On Sunday, I had a pretty relaxing afternoon and spent the time between church services working on this week's schedule in my bullet journal:

3. It was super rainy and stormy on Monday. I decided to cheer myself up with a super yummy fruit salad. 

4. At the beginning of the week, I got this beautiful necklace in the mail! It cost me less than $5! I love mail days especially when it was a great deal!

5. I have been itching to create something. On a whim, I decided to make this picture frame chalkboard. 

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

Color Blocking + Stripes

What to Do When You Feel Unqualified

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Have a lovely weekend!

See where I link up here.

What to Do When You Feel Unqualified

A life-long struggle of mine has been adequacy and inadequacy. I have always felt inadequate.  That I am not good enough or qualified enough for what God has called me to do. For instance: I don't have a good enough story to share, I can't speak to people because I'm awkward, etc. 

If you notice, the above paragraph is centered around me. God has been gently reminding me of who I am in Him, and what I should focus on: Him, not me. Monday, I was getting a bit nervous because I knew that there was something that I was going to have to do that would put me in a vulnerable position. A position where I would have to let go of my fear of what others think and remember what God thinks of me.

That night, the Lord shared with me three songs- You Are Loved by Stars Go Dim, Never Alone by Kyle Kupecky, and Forgiven by Sanctus Real. Each of these songs had a phrase that stuck out to me. For the first song, the phrases you are loved  and you don't have to prove yourself were especially prominent. In Never Alone, I found the phrases It's up to you and me to be the light, and
Whatever they say keep on shining to be very comforting. Finally, for the last song, the phrase And in this life, I know what I’ve been, But here in your arms, I know what I am reminded me of who I am in Christ,

In Christ, each of us, young or old, rich or poor, new Christians or long-time believers are

• loved {Jeremiah 31:3}
• known {Psalm 139:1}
• forgiven {Acts 13:38}
• a co-heir with Christ {Romans 8:17}
• chosen {John 15:16}
• significant {Ephesians 1:4}
• a child of God {1 John 3:1}
• beautiful {Psalm 45:11}
• and so many more!

When you feel unqualified and like you don't measure up, just remember these truths. Don't focus on your inadequacy, but focus on His adequacy. Remember that you don't have to be perfect because He already is. The other day, He reminded me that none of this is about me. When I surrender my life to Him, my life is His and, therefore, becomes all about Him. Which is actually much better anyway. 

Have you ever felt unqualified?

See where I link up here.

Color Blocking + Stripes

Happy Monday! I hope your weekend was amazing! Mine was a bit busy, but not too bad. Today, I have an outfit post for you that features a fashion trend that I am just now getting into: color block.

Outfit details:

DRESS: (similar, similar)

JACKET: Old Navy (similar, similar)

SANDALS: Target (similar, similar)

I never really got into color blocking until recently because I had had not gotten a piece of clothing that was color blocked. Enter this dress, and I now love to color block.

The easiest way to color block would be to buy an item that is color blocked. Another way that you could wear this trend in an inexpensive way is to use the clothes that you have in your closet. For instance: a solid black top + a solid pink skirt. 

I love that stripes are involved in the color block. As you probably already know, I am addicted to stripes. I have to restrain myself when I go to the store not to buy every striped piece. I am drawn to stripes like a magnet to metal.

Have you tried color blocking?

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High Five for Friday | Instagram + Five Minute Friday

Happy weekend! We made it! Keep on reading to see the five high points of my week.

1. The Five Minute Friday prompt today is haven.

A haven is a place of refuge, comfort. I always would want to redecorate my room in order to make sure that I have a safe place to talk to God. 

Where that is fine and all, I don't think that we have to have one. Our entire homes should be havens and places of worship. We shouldn't have to retreat away. Our houses should be a safe place. 

Havens inside the home are great and all, but our house should literally be a haven.

2. Since Saturday was my birthday, I went to get a cupcake from a local cupcake bakery, went shopping at plenty of places and picked up these things, and had cake and ice cream back home. Thanks for all the birthday wishes! I really had a great day!

3. On Monday, I rested and relaxed for a while. After that, I tanned out by the pool and then hopped in. We grilled out and that concluded our lovely Memorial Day. How was yours?

4. I got an Instagram account! You can follow me here. I love connecting with y'all, and other bloggers through social media!

5. I just created a newsletter for you. my readers! It will be monthly and will sum up each month with favorites and such. The first one will be sent on July 1st and will sum up he month of June. You will receive an email to confirm your subscription. I hope you will subscribe!

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

Happy Memorial Day!

Currently | June

Have a great weekend!

Linking up here.

Currently | June

Happy June, y'all! I cannot believe that it's already June! Wow, this year is flying by! Today, is the monthly Currently post of Anne and Jenna's that I participate in. This month, the prompts are planning, enjoying, buying, craving, and pinning.

PLANNING
Right now, I am planning for a beach vacation that I will be taking later this summer. I am a huge list maker, so I always have plenty of lists for vacation.

source

ENJOYING

Lately, I have been enjoying the beautiful summer weather and some pool time. Summer is one of my favorite seasons mostly because it is beach and pool season. I so enjoy getting a golden glow and then cooling off in the water.

BUYING

Technically, I didn't really buy these since I got them for my birthday, but just go with it. 

For my birthday, I got a navy vest for fall, Coty Airspun Powder in Naturally Neutral, DevaCurl Mist-er Right, Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circle Treatment & Concealer in Neutralizer, Makeup Revolution Essential Mattes Redemption Eyeshadow Palette, Makeup Revolution Vivid Baked Highlighter, ULTA Beauty Blender, and CoverGirl TruBlend Primer in Combination.

CRAVING

Since it is now summertime, I have been making slushies with a high powered blender. I usually make a strawberry lemon one, but on Monday, I made a watermelon lemonade slush, and boy was it good. I cannot wait to make it again.

PINNING

On Pinterest, I usually pin lots of quotes, which I have been doing, but I have also been pinning some fun summer activities like this yard yahtzee idea.

What have been currently up to?

See where I link up here.