You can help make a dream come true! 6 Mar 2014 9:31 PM (11 years ago)

I am loving my new Chloe and Isabel "Straight Shooter" necklace! I'm wearing it with so much, it goes with everything and is so dainty and feminine! I would like to thank my friend, Amanda, for sending it to me. Please check out her Chloe and Isabel site.

If you want to support women and mothers in business, please consider ordering from Amanda. She and her husband are trying to adopt a child from Taiwan. They are so excited to welcome this child home and become a forever family. What a wonderful way to support a fellow woman and mother.

You can get a beautiful piece of jewelry for yourself and help bring Amanda one step closer to bringing their little one home!

More thoughts on the 2014 Remix Challenge 18 Feb 2014 12:18 PM (11 years ago)

Well, it's been 7 weeks since I started the challenge and I'm succeeding! I haven't purchased a single item. In some ways it seems like it's been a long time and in other ways, 7 weeks- ha, I'm sure many people are laughing at me! I know women who haven't purchased themselves new clothes, shoes or accessories for YEARS! But to me, it's a goal I am reaching and it makes me happy to have made another milestone.

It's hard to wrote posts like these without coming off wrong or like I'm lecturing people for their spending habits. Let me just put it "on the record" to say I write these things to reflect on myself and I write them in the hope that it may help others. Many have told me they are following along with the "no buy" challenge and find reading posts of other helpful - so I continue. But don't take anything I say as lecturing. If you like it, and the shoe fits, wear it!

The whole point of the 2014 Remix Challenge from Instagram was to shop your closet, use what you have, be creative with what you have, learn to do without and be content with what you already own. For a minute this thought ran through my head "With all the money I save, I will be able to buy this or that..........." Then I caught myself. That isn't a "no buy" that's a "delayed spending" plan! It's just a way of denying myself for a moment, then rewarding myself later - not really the point. How would that teach me contentment? How would that teach me to use what I have? It wouldn't.

Something that has hit me square in the face during this challenge is how very selfish and self-centered shopping and over-shopping is. No one wants to hear that. No one wants to admit they are selfish. I could always justify my purchases because I was shopping without debt, and making "bargain" or "deal" purchases. But if you look at it with an open heart, how much time do you spend on the pursuit? On the research? On the magazines? On the internet? Hunting down that certain shirt - even to the point of calling out of state stores and calling in a favor from your Instagram buddies? All the time spent was for ME. Fulfilling MY wants, MY wishes. It started to make me sick. I wonder how many times when I was headed out shopping, my husband just wanted me to be home to be with him? Help him? Encourage him? But in his kindness and patience, he never criticized.

Put the shoe on the other foot. How would you feel if your husband came home every day with a purchase? A new shirt, a new golf club, new sunglasses - all bought on sale, all marked down. Would it bother you? Would you start to think of him as selfish? What about that special vacation you wanted to take with him - would his daily "deal" purchases take a toll on your long-term goal and would you harbor some resentment? It's something to think about. I know sometimes people say "we have the money" or "I'm still saving so I can spend this extra". That's wonderful - but the focus here isn't on the money - it's on the heart. Where is your emphasis, focus, and time spent? You can say you love your family first and foremost, but are your actions showing you do?

Do you ever think about servant hood? I've been reading Chuck Swindoll's book "Improving Your Serve" and I must say it's an eye opener! It's actually a hard read - to put yourself out there to be a servant is hard. So much is entailed in being a servant and it all starts with putting others before yourself and putting yourself......... last. There are so many good works out there just waiting for someone to help, someone to care. It would do the soul good to quit thinking of self so much and start thinking of others more.

So here's to making it almost one more month! Old Navy is making it reeeallly hard to stay strong. That striped Walmart button down is making it hard. That Kate Spake 75% off sale made it hard. But guess what? That's life! Every day there is going to be a temptation, a deal, a choice we have to make. I'm trying to look at shopping with my long-term glasses, and meet my end goals with my daily decisions - top priority being a home in heaven. We can do it ladies! Let's keep on keeping on! I appreciate each and every one of you who is doing the 2014 Remix Challenge right along with me. The encouragement means so much!

For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Matthew 6:21

Use it Up Challenge 22 Oct 2013 12:43 PM (11 years ago)

I named the month of October "Use it Up, Wear it Out, Make it Do, or Do Without" month for me on my Instagram. I would say I have just done "alright"in all areas. Pretty mediocre for sure. I've done the best in groceries, only purchased produce and must need items for meals. But I'm thinking and pondering and my mind is going 100 miles an hour.

I started to read this book "To Buy or Not to Buy" by April Lane Benson. You might want to check out her website Shopaholicnomore.

I would certainly recommend this book to anyone who loves shopping. I will say, it's a hard read! (and I'm only on chapter 3!) Get ready to do some soul searching. Get ready to read hard things that describe you to a "T"! I'm not kidding. It's a great book - pretty therapeutic actually. There are journal exercises you do along with the book, so I'm taking it slow and digesting it all as I go. So far the book has talked about emotions associated with shopping, why do you shop, triggers for when you shop and hard questions like "how do you want to be remembered?" and "do your values line up with your shopping habits?" Ouch.

So for my progress, I've done much better this month. I've found my triggers (or I always knew but just reminded myself) are sales and coupons. I can be sold on anything if it's a good sale! I NEED it more if it's on sale! So I'm not looking at any sale ads or opening retailers emails. Still, I have purchased things and have convinced myself they were "staple" items that have been on my list for months (and they were but still............come on!)

Obviously, I NEED nothing. I can be clothed for a long time to come. I'm working on putting time into more valuable things like Bible study and prayer. I'm doing a devotional with some Instagram friends and we are helping each other along. I'd invite anyone to email me, comment below or on my Instagram if you want to join in the daily devotional we are following on You Version.

I'd love to hear any comments on your progress or tips via the blog or my Instagram feed!

A Broken Heart 1 Oct 2013 9:38 AM (11 years ago)

For those of you not on my Instagram of Facebook, wanted to let you know, my dad passed away. I have just returned home from the funeral and time spent with my family.

My heart is broken.

I loved my Dad very much.

The most selfless, giving, thoughtful, funny, sentimental, faithful, loyal, loving man. He put the Kingdom first and now has gone on to his reward, in the arms of the Lord.

Use It Up Challenge for October! 1 Oct 2013 9:28 AM (11 years ago)

I haven't written on my blog in so long I kinda forget how it works! I've been posting daily on Instagram and it just seems easier to fit in my life right now. I am starting a challenge on Instagram for October called the Use It Up Challenge, so I wanted to post here and invite readers to take part with us!

I did a No Spend September challenge in Instagram and failed miserably. I gave exceptions and justified Paypal purchases, which just spiraled into more spending. Hence, Use It Up was born!

I can't think of a single thing I NEED - can you? Really? I have an over abundance of blessings in every area. This challenge is designed to make me reflect and be content with what I have.

So are you in? You can either join on Instagram and hashtag posts #useitupchallenge - or feel free to post here or on your blog and link back. Here we go!

Long time gone...... 28 Jul 2013 8:45 PM (11 years ago)

Hello blog world. I have been absent for some time now and I feel completely out of the loop. I don't read my Bloglovin feed any more, I just don't have the time. I follow many of you on Instagram and I swipe through pictures when I find a minute here and there.

My mind has been racing lately - thinking about what really matters in life, and guess what? Clothes ain't one of them! Seriously, we have been so busy with church camp, family church camp and now this week VBS, my mind has been focused on the Bible and things eternal and it gives a whole other perspective. I love clothes and fashion - always will. But being so involved daily in keeping up with the fashion blogging world takes too much time away from the "needful" things of life.

I've also been spending all my spare time studying about essential oils and how they can benefit our family and help us to prevent and treat illness. I've joined with doTERRA as a product consultant, so I can purchase the oils wholesale. It will take another whole post for me to tell you what we have learned and benefited from in the short month we have used them. You can check out my website HERE.

I'm in a 60 day challenge with my Beachbody Team doing Shaun T's new workout Focus T25. It's great- I can totally fit it in and get a good sweat going. In week one I have lost 4 pounds and 2 inches overall. Just trying to build strength and much needed strength in my core.

Thanks to all of you who wrote to ask about my dad. He is breathing much easier and continues on hospice but comfortable. Thanks to all for the prayers.

Life 6 Jun 2013 4:23 PM (11 years ago)

I've been MIA as I took a whirlwind trip home. You see, my dad is on hospice, and the nurses didn't think he was going to make it. My siblings and I all went home (my sister lives there) to be with our dad. As it turns out, he got over the pneumonia and pulled through. He has lung disease, so he struggles to breathe everyday. Any little virus or bacteria make breathing nearly impossible for him. I am so happy my friend, Naomi, used her airline benefits to fly me home in a flash. What would we do without caring, helpful friends? I am grateful.

It was hard to go home under these circumstances, but wonderful to be together as a family. So many memories together. And I pray God blesses my mother, who constantly and sacrificially cares for my ill father. She won't even leave his side to go to the store. She is a strong person, I've always thought so, but I still see it in action even now at her age of 77.

Life is uncertain. We never know when God will call us home. We don't know why my dad is still living, when the nurses say all other patients they know in his condition, don't last. I marvel when I look back at the changes he made upon becoming a Christian. He gave up cursing, smoking and drinking cold turkey. He faithfully attended all services of the church. He worked as a greeter and organizer each service. He used his talents for the Lord. He taught us to give. Even before we were taught the truth, dad led by example in praying at each meal, giving God thanks for our blessings, buying us Bibles and instilling in us a reverence and love for our Creator. I always think that's why it was easy for our family to obey the Gospel once we were taught, because dad & mom taught us to respect God from an early age.

Perhaps Dad still has more work to do on earth before he goes home to heaven. That is our greatest comfort, knowing that we can all be together again in that Great Day.

FAMILY

NO Spend May! 1 May 2013 12:22 PM (11 years ago)

Hello Blog Friends! I haven't had much time for blog reading of late, so I feel out of the loop. I am following some of you on Instagram. I really miss some of my blog friends, but time just doesn't allow for my endless blog list reading of late.

Some of you may recall I did a "Keep Your Money May" way back when in 2010! I've joined up with some Instagram friends to do a no spend on clothing and accessories in May. Truth be told, I could dress out of my closet for more than a month and probably never wear the same thing twice (this is a fact I am proud of and not so proud of - bought it all dirt cheap, but still overkill!) So during May I will work on making my closet work and pare down what doesn't work! I've already shared many clothes with my friends at church and I've sold a few here and there online.

Instagram is great, but it's terrible for feeding your "WANT" monster! I promise, daily, there is something adorable someone wears that is available at a retailer near me for and affordable price! I will try to keep the IG inspiration flowing, by using "like" items I already own. Can I do it? I don't know. The first email I got this morning was for Very Jane and a Jcrew knock-off Fan Necklace I've been wanting for months. Did I buy it? NOPE - but only because it was SOLD OUT! What if it was available? I probably could have justified a way to get it in my mind.

The point is to try to STOP completely and be content with what I already have. End of story. Watch and see how it pans out............

Thursday Target Threads! 27 Mar 2013 8:20 PM (12 years ago)

I have had these camos for a while and I've been dying to wear them, it just never seemed the right occasion to bring them out! These are the reversible jeans from Target called Flip-Side! The other side is army green, so the price of these pants become a bargain since there are 2!

Shirt: Old Navy Perfect Tee

Cardigan: Target Converse

Jeans: Target Flip Side Reversible

Boots: Liz & Co (good Sam Edelman Petty boot knock-off!)

Necklace: Vera Wang Kohls

Remember, all of you who link up for Thursday Target Threads, will be entered in a drawing to win the Prabal Gurung Black Clutch!

Prabal Gurung For Target® Lace Hard Sided Clutch - Black

One Foot in Front of the Other 21 Mar 2013 9:45 PM (12 years ago)

I wanted to link up with The Pink Growl for her 30 miles in 30 days challenge! I have been training for a half-marathon and I'm following the beginners schedule. I basically run 30 minutes every other day and then long runs on the weekends that get progressively longer as the weeks pass leading up to the race. Today I feel like I hit a milestone, because I ran 3 miles without stopping and I didn't feel like I was going to die in the process! Other days my legs feel like lead and I want to cry at mile one. I think running is just like this - it's like LIFE! Some days are good days and some days are hard days.

I feel like a million bucks though for setting out to accomplish a goal that I'm sticking with. Last year was my Beachbody year - and I did my workouts all through 2012. My new goal is to run a half-marathon. It feels good.

Here are my 30 miles in 30 days stats:

Week 1- 9.87 miles

Week 2- 11.29 miles

Week 3 so far- 9.5 miles

Total=30.66!!

I've met the goal for this month and I'm going to keep on keeping on! Thanks to Nikki for providing some great monthly motivation!

Photo: I finally feel like a runner! 3 miles without stopping! Feels so good to accomplish goals!! Thanks to Judy Moss Danny Moss for the inspiration and encouragement!

Thanks so much to those of you who linked up with Thursday Target Threads! Next week, everyone who participates will be entered in a drawing for a giveaway! A winner will be randomly drawn and announced next Friday!

Enter to Win This Giveaway! 17 Mar 2013 6:00 AM (12 years ago)

Hi ladies - I'm collaborating with Alison at Get Your Pretty On and a bunch of other fabulous bloggers to offer the following giveaway! I hope you will join the fun! a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday Target Threads!! 14 Feb 2013 10:26 AM (12 years ago)

Today I am wearing a Target Mossimo Black label skirt that I found for $6.88! I like this pencil skirt because it is a longer length. It also came in black, but I never saw it in my size! Hearts on for Valentines Day - but subdued since I'm working today!

Shirt: Old Navy

Skirt: Mossimo Black

Shoes: Target Xhilaration

Link up for Thursday Target Threads!! I was able to add the photo link below, so I hope you can start adding your Target finds! I will try to keep on track with this feature- I know it has been sporadic!

BFF Trip! 11 Feb 2013 5:54 PM (12 years ago)

What a wonderful, fabulous best friend weekend with my college girls! Almost 25 years ago we met and have stayed in each others hearts all this time! I'm thankful to God for best friends!

Fancy Pants! 28 Jan 2013 7:07 PM (12 years ago)

These pants have a story, but then again, ALL of my clothes seem to have a story!

I REALLY loved these Jcrew cords since I first saw them in the catalog. The other day I popped in Jcrew because I heard they had 50% off the markdown (which they NEVER do!) I saw these pants on the rack and ran to try them on (even though they were way smaller than my size - one can hope!) No luck, but my personal shopping friend, Mitch, decided to look them up to see if he could find them in my size. One pair in a city that was very far from me. I had him put them on hold anyhow, and thought about how I would get them (charge send maybe?) Then I remembered my friend from work lived in that city and I would be seeing her at the company party in 2 days - score! I called and paid for them and she picked them up and brought them to me!

The BEST part - $20!!!

Pants: Jcrew Toothpick Cords in Ribbon Bow print (retail $110 - paid $20)

Shirt: Dolce & Gabbana (hand me down)

Shoes: Dexter Payless

I love my fancy pants!

Before and After- Laundry Room & Office 21 Jan 2013 6:39 PM (12 years ago)

It was time. Things were a little out of hand and my laundry room/office had become my dumping ground. It's taken several weeks of cleaning out but I've made progress!

Before
Looking into the laundry room
This was post Christmas-time. Trying to put away my decorations and shopping after holiday sales. You can see I hang dry my clothes on a rod above the washer. This has kept our clothes nice for a long time.

After

Looking into the laundry room

Finally got rid of that horrifying navy blue blind that made everything so dark! Put up photos of my children on the top shelf. I bought the iron work wall decor piece at Ross for $16 and my hubby spray painted it teal. Found the Levolor rattan blinds at Ross for $12!! Curtains from Target Xhilaration line - they were too long so I cut them off after the third tier- these totally remind me of the Anthro ones! Got rid of one of the clothes sorters to make more room. Rug and pillow from Target.

Before
Looking at the closet, powder room area

I was able to fit all of my jewelry, makeup, hair stuff (dryer, curling iron) into new bins in the closet, thus getting rid of the rolling sterilite drawer thingy.

After
Looking at the closet, powder room area

Bought the peg hangers at Home Depot to hang my statement necklaces. My BFF got me that print years ago. I finally framed it - the border on the mat is little red mushrooms!

Ironing board that folds down. I also bought a new Conair steamer at Ross for $17 that works awesome. I've always wanted one!

Before
Desk and workspace
Check out that bowl of M and M's! And all that laundry in the sorted baskets!

After
Desk and work area
I removed the dehydrator and now store it in the closet until I need it. Made more room for my Desk Apprentice to work better. My laundry is caught up today!

Shabby Chic curtain hangs in the doorway. I removed the door to make more room. I got that cross stich at a garage sale for $.50! And same above mentioned BFF gave me the framed Mary Engelbreit print! I hang my workout jackets, yoga mat and aprons here.

The details! Rug and pillow from Target. Tractor desk chair from Target.

Apparently, I like animals everywhere, not just on my clothing!
Anthro wrist pad, Target dollar spot mouse pad.

I feel great making this much progress! I still have to go through all of the overhead cabinets and declutter and organize. Thanks to my friend Dianalin for the inspiration!

The First Day of 2013! 1 Jan 2013 3:33 PM (12 years ago)

My New Year's Eve went well, with a trip to the beautiful City (San Francisco) to choose a location for our upcoming company party. My boss and I viewed the space and were treated to a delicious breakfast of fresh fruit, coffee, a spinach and chive omelet and home fries. Super Yum!

On New Year's Eve I also found these 2 pretty Target scarves on 70% off, so $4.49 each! Can you see the swans in the pattern? I drank my beloved Shakeology to keep things on the healthy track.

Today I started the day with a run with Maggie and my first daily Bible Reading from my One Year Bible. It has a passage from the OT, NT, a Psalm and some Proverbs. I love reading the Psalms and Proverbs. Today was Psalm chapter 1 where we are told blessed is the man who delights in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. In all he does, he prospers and the Lord knows the way of the righteous. What more comfort do we need?

A new year is a great thing but also daunting to me. So many things need done during January! Sometimes it can be overwhelming. I got a real de-clutter bug today for my laundry room. Maggie is helping me and we are making progress. I will post before and after pics.

We will have Hoppin John with black eyed peas, greens and cornbread for our traditional New Year's Day meal!

Hope you are all having a great start to 2013!

Looking back at 2012 30 Dec 2012 6:46 PM (12 years ago)

Remember my Happiness Project I started at the beginning of 2012?? My first post on it was HERE! Well, it's a great book by Gretchen Rubin and I love it, but I never made it off month one! hahahaha..........the good news, I totally crushed #1 - Energy and Fitness!

I started out the year getting back to my daily fitness routine. It looked like this in 2012:

Power 90 with Tony Horton

Insanity with Shaun T.

Turbo Fire with Chalene Johnson

I began running and training for a half-marathon

Ran my first 5K

I began to take Bikram yoga class

Score for me! I took off 13 pounds and kept it off. For the most part I ate well, but candy and cookies still kill me at the holidays. I am very happy with how far I came in this regard in 2012.

This year I have challenged my Bible class to read through the Bible this year- I teach junior high and they are on board! I bought them each a One Year Bible ESV and we are excited to begin! In fact, my husband (the preacher) challenged our entire congregation to read through the Bible as a congregation this year! I have made this resolution so many times before and failed, so this is my year - NO EXCUSES!!

I will try to make more progress on the other chapters of the Happiness Project this year!

Foxy, plaid and sequins 28 Dec 2012 10:17 AM (12 years ago)

Finally wearing my Christmas present - the fox dress from Target. I bought it a month or more ago, but waited until Christmas to give it to myself! haha. I am really digging my combat boots Maggie found me at Ross for $20! I looked them up online and they retailed for $180!

Shirt: Old Navy
Dress: Target Xhilaration
Leggings: Naturalizer via Ross (fleece lined)
Boots: Aerosoles via Ross

Mags is wearing her Christmas duds too!


Shirt: Target Circo, Jacket: Faux leather Xhilaration, Cord Leggings: H&M, Ruffle Combat Boots: Betsey Johnson via JCP

We went to a friends house for dinner last night - it was soooo fun! As soon as this flooring is laid and I have some furniture, I am having people over all the time. I love to entertain with friends!

I am loving this soft sweater from Target - I don't know how they did that contrasting look, but it's so comfy! My SIL got me these cool new earrings - I love them!

Sweater: Mossimo, Jeans: CAbi Brando, Shoes: Mossimo

Maggie has a yellow one of the same!

I won Payday Pretty last week so I got a $20 gift card! These shoes were part of the loot I scored with it!

Thursday Target Threads! 20 Dec 2012 8:38 AM (12 years ago)

Link up your Target finds today!! Yesterday was the Ugly Sweater party at work! The prize was a $200 Target Gift Card! I didn't win - can you believe it?? Look at this whole "elfish" ensemble! The gal that won had a sweater that lit up! She one upped me! Congrats to my friend, Rachel! The only thing Target in this pic is my turtleneck by Merona! My sweater is Karen Scott from Ebay - Jcrew necklace (from Ebay), F21 skirt and JCP glitter boots!

Can't wait to see what Target you all are wearing!

Speaking of Target - The Neiman Marcus collection went 50% off today if you were wanting some goodies!! I wanted only one thing- the Rag & Bone cardigan, which I got this morning - so snuggly!

Here are my Target goods - and I'm linking this top up with Diaries of a Bargainista this week over at All Things Alisa! This shirt was $5.98 on clearance and Maggie has one too so now we can be twinsies!

Shirt: Xhilaration Chevron Blouse
Jeans: CAbi Bree
Tank: Target Merona
Boots: Target Xhilaration (real leather! they are a good Frye knock-off!)

Borrowed from the Boy.... 17 Dec 2012 11:22 AM (12 years ago)

Borrowed this pinstripe blue oxford from my son! And with the oxfords, the whole outfit is a "borrowed from the boys" look!

Shirt: Macys

Sweater: F21

Jeans: NYDJ

Oxfords: Target Osanna

A Love Story 10 Dec 2012 6:56 PM (12 years ago)

When is the last time you cried over something as small as having a hot dog for lunch? I would guess you have probably NEVER cried over something like this. I know I haven't. Does it make you overjoyed to have the ability to take a bath? Probably not.

Well, this is what happened with my mother-in-law today. You see, she is a stroke survivor. It's been 7 years since she had her stroke. After coming home to rehab in our home for a short while, she made a complete recovery, minus some of her peripheral vision. She returned to living in her own home and even cared for her dying husband. Her recovery seemed nothing short of amazing! A few weeks ago, she had a heart episode. Her advanced age of 85 is now slowing her down and so she has come to live with us again.

Today she cried, not because she was having a hot dog, but because of what the hot dog represented- the happy times and memories in her life. The happy times when there would be a picnic with loved ones, friends, brethren all around, laughing, joking, talking, encouraging.

I can't imagine what it would feel like to have to give up your independence, to rely on someone else for everything, to give up living in your home. I know she has gone through several emotions in the last few weeks. Bless her heart, she is so thankful for the smallest things. When I bring her food or help her put on her socks, she tells me over and over again thank you for caring enough about me to help me. She has told me time and again if it wasn't for her son (my husband) she wouldn't even be alive. Seeing this attitude on a daily basis really makes you think.......think about what is important in life. Shopping and clothes are fun......but people are what make life worth living.....and people are what TEACH you what life is really about.

Right after the stroke with our boys. The kids gave her a reason to live, to know who she was and her importance in their life.

During her 3 month rehab stay where we would visit each day. These 3 kids were a huge part of her recovery.

A few years ago with our oldest.

Never underestimate your importance in the lives of others. Your love and caring may be what makes all the difference.

Who Let the Dogs Out to Vote? 6 Nov 2012 10:50 AM (12 years ago)

It's Election Day! November 6th! Show your spirit! I'm showing my spirit in my red, white and blue because we are blessed to live in America, the land of free and the home of the brave!

The kids have a big school project today - they have to conduct an exit poll. We will be at the polling place for a while today!

I don't follow politics that closely. Perhaps I should follow it more. I feel that my time is better spent nurturing and encouraging my children. I do, however, appreciate the freedom in America and I want it to remain a strong and moral country. No matter what the outcome of today's election, I know Who is in control - the Almighty. We serve a powerful God and I put my trust in Him.

Shirt: Old Navy

Blazer: Gap

Jeans: Liz C via ROSS

Shoes: Earthies

Detail of doggies on the shirt!

Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might. He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding (Daniel 2:20-21).

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God (Romans 13:1).

A Consumer's Consumer! 22 Oct 2012 8:30 PM (12 years ago)

You know the saying "He's a man's man!" meaning, he is really manly.....well, I'm a consumer's consumer, meaning I'm really good at consuming! I've been thinking lately (yes, crazy I know, I do think sometimes about things deeper than what's on sale at Target!) and I think a blog break is in order.

I love posting on my blog and I love reading other fashion blogs. Shopping is my hobby and nothing is more fun to me than putting together trendy outfits on the cheap. Reading blogs however, has made me consume more. I see something cute someone has, and it's dirt cheap at H&M or Old Navy and I want one. After all, it's a knock-off Jcrew sweater for $20, can't beat that. Then after a while I look at my closet and say, something has to go - I have no space. I think you can see where this is headed! Yes, there are many great things out there, yes, there are many great deals, yes, there are many fall "must-haves", but "must" I have them all? Um, NO. Thus the blog break.

I really can't take reading many more "Haul" posts, or "look what I got" posts on blogs. Who am I to say what other people can buy - of course, each person is at liberty to spend their hard earned money on what they choose, but really, just how many pieces of clothing does a person need? Can we take a hard, honest look at ourselves? At what point are we buying more of the exact same thing we already have, just in another color or pattern? It makes me wonder, why do we as women, who love fashion, want to keep buying, buying, buying? Why can't we be satisfied with what we already own, remixing, instead of always having a feeling of being unsatisfied, and chasing after the "latest" thing. Jcrew and Anthro are really good at keeping us "in the want" for something new as their catalogs come out every month. It used to be last season's items were out of style, now last month's items are out!

What would be different, if every time I wanted to buy something unnecessary for myself, I bought something NEEDED for someone else. Wow. Need vs. want - a hard subject. What if every time I wanted to browse the net for some retail therapy, I picked up my Bible and read, or committed some verses to memory, or made better use of my time. Sometimes it's hard to take an honest look at ourselves.

I think it's great that women want to look nice each day. I just think it can be accomplished without making weekly purchases. Do you get a zillion emails each morning from retailers, telling you about their sales? I think LOFT has one every day! Today Anthro has extra 25% off the sale! It's exhausting. I'm tired of being made merchandise of.....having someone else tell me what I need, every single second of the day, in emails, on Facebook, on blogs, on the sidebar of my email, the sidebar of Amazon, the sidebar of Yahoo news......

Before you make your next purchase, consider some of these thoughts on consumerism....

“Are these things really better than the things I already have? Or am I just trained to be dissatisfied with what I have now?”
― Chuck Palahniuk, Lullaby

“To live fully, we must learn to use things and love people, and not love things and use people.”
― John Powell

“We seldom consider how much of our lives we must render in return for some object we barely want, seldom need, buy only because it was put before us..― Ferenc Máté,

You can never get enough of what you don't need to make you happy. ~Eric Hoffer

You have succeeded in life when all you really want is only what you really need. ~Vernon Howard

Has anyone else ever felt this way?

What Shakeology has done for me! 27 Sep 2012 7:41 AM (12 years ago)

Someone asked me to talk about Shakeology and what it has done for me as a result of adding it to my nutrition regimen. I have been back to Beachbody workouts since January, so that means 9 months completed of regular working out! It feels good. Beachbody has been instrumental in helping me get from........ no working out back into working out several times a week. I love the company and their programs. So far this year I have done Power 90, Insanity and Turbo Fire. Currently I'm doing a little Turbo Fire, Bikram yoga at a studio and training to run a half-marathon with a friend. None of this would have been possible without Beachbody and I believe, Shakeology.

I added Shakeology to my regime at the beginning of July, so that means I've taken it daily for 3 months now. I believe what Shakeology does for me, is fill holes in my nutrition, so I have extra added insurance for my body. I already eat well - try to get in my greens and lean proteins, water, fiber. But, there are things found in Shakeology that I do not get in my regular diet.

Shakeology packs up to 18 grams of protein and vital complex carbs in every serving. Plus it delivers whole-food nutrition from some of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet that are stocked with essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals and more than 20 different antioxidants, enzymes and phytonutrients.

A few ingredients in Shakeology that can help boost energy include:

Chia meal (seed): Supports energy endurance with omega-3 and -6 fats, protein, fiber, and essential trace minerals. It helps support high-energy endurance.
Maca Powder (root): Known for its ability to help increase stamina and energy levels.
Holy Basil Powder (leaf): May act as a powerful promoter of energy and athletic performance.
Kamut Grass: Promotes high energy with protein, vitamins, and complex carbohydrates.

Since starting Shakeology I have:
*maintained my weight loss (lost 15 pounds) even with not eating a pristine diet. (I'm still working on cutting down my sweets!)
* cut cravings for bad foods (sugary treats just don't really taste good anymore)
* haven't been sick
* feel good (healthy, strong, energy)
* good digestion

I would recommend Shakeology to anyone who wants to pack more nutrition into their diet. We live in a world where things are less than perfect- processed foods, pollution, toxic load in foods, air and water, so I want to do all I can to give my body the food it craves to run well. Pay now or pay later - invest in your nutrition and health now, or pay the doctor for medication later! Shakeology is only available via a Beachbody coach. If you are looking for a source, you can click on the Shakeology tab on my right sidebar. See what whole food nutrition can do for you!

For more information, I would recommend the blog, especially the entry on September 14th, Why Should I Drink Shakeology? I think you will agree, it's the best meal of the day!

Jjill in Real Life 7 Sep 2012 6:00 AM (12 years ago)

Wearing the new Military Jacket today! I love this piece! Also, wanted to alert you all to the extra 30% off in stores at Loft. I have had my eye on a pair of leopard capris (retail $60) for a while and they dropped to $17!! Also, this blush colored top, perfect for all kinds of layering this fall, was $50 marked down to $13! It comes in a variety of great colors too - bright yellow, bright orange, polka dot, etc. Check it out HERE

Shirt: Loft Cocoon Top
Jacket: Jjill Military Jacket
Pants: CAbi Sateen Bree spring 2012
Necklace: Kohls
Earrings: Target (you can't see them but they are little bees!)

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