its a girl thing // cranberry

this i need to do this afternoon:

* finish scoring the kiddo's math pages

* fold and put away the mountain of clothing that is currently covering my bed. 

* laundry

* play with my puppy.

places I'd rather be today:

* the beach. always the beach.

* Paris

* Italy

* Goldendale

simple things i love at the moment:

* lemonade

*captain crunch cereal

*morning coffee, afternoon coffee, after dinner coffee

* the sound of the rain outside my window

*listening to Lydia pretend to talk on the phone

* ice cream

* watching my siblings watch a movie

It's a girl thing // black and floral

I am pretty excited about this skirt. I bought it last  week for 1/3 of the original price. I've been looking at it every time I went into Fred Meyer over the past three months,  falling more and more in love with it, but couldn't justify the price, considering the quality isn't that good, but I love the print and length. So when I found it on sale this week I couldn't resist anymore. ;)

This pendant is my favorite and I don't really even like peacocks. (At least real ones. ;)

Outfit:

Sweater: Target{20.99}

Skirt: Fred Myers{14.99}

Tee: Kohls{8.99}

Heels: Payless {19.99}

Set my heart, O dear Father,

On Thee and Thee only,

Give me a thirst for Thy presence divine.

Lord, keep my focus on loving Thee Wholly,

Purge me from earth; Turn my heart after Thine.

A passion for Thee

O Lord, Set a fire in my soul,

And a thirst for my God.

Hear Thou my prayer, Lord Thy power impart.

Not just to serve, but to love thee with all of my heart.

Father fill with Thy Spirit, and fit me for service

Let love for Christ, every motive inspire.

Teach me to follow in selfless submission

Be Thou my joy and my souls one desire.

A passion for Thee

O Lord, set a fire in my soul

And a thirst for my God,

Hear Thou my pray, Lord Thy power impart

Not just to serve, but to Love Thee with all of my heart. 

This hymn has been stuck in my head lately. I've been thinking a lot about serving God in all things, big or small, and having a consuming passion and desire for Him, not just going through the motions, or serving with my hands; but truly loving and seeking to bring Him glory through everything I say, think and do.I think sometimes I get caught up in doing things because I know it's right, (like reading my bible, or praying, etc.) But not necessarily out of love and total devotion and passion for Christ. 

Anyway, that's just what I've been thinking about lately. :) 

it's a girl thing // pink wool and polka dots

 

 

This weekend I introduced my little sisters to the wonderful world of period drama's for the first time, and of course we watched the entire a&e Pride and Prejudice all at once, because we are girls and it seemed like a good idea. They were quite ecstatic to be able to stay up until the wee hour of 2am for the very first time ever, but in reality, it wasn't a very smart idea, because we were all tired Saturday, and slept in too late, which meant we were rushing to get things done and have everybody dressed and primped and headed out the door by 12:15 sharp for a friends wedding. (Why, oh why does my family only have one curling iron? I think I shall be remedying this problem later this week, because it was rather ridiculous. One cannot properly curl their hair in a hurried manner. It ends up looking like some sort of frizzy disaster that will probably give nightmares to small children.). And we ended up leaving fully 15 minutes later than planned, and then getting lost for another 20 minutes, which meant we arrived at the wedding late. But despite all of our technical difficulties, it was a delightful wedding and they make the cutest couple and are incredibly sweet together. The decorations and flowers were so beautiful. She kept everything simple, yet absolutely gorgeous. And the church they chose was stunning. 

le tenue:

 wool skirt: goodwill {7.99}

Cardigan: Target {18.99}

Polka dot Tee: Khols {17.99)

Black Pumps: Payless {20.00}

Headband: Fred Myer {5.99}

 How was your weeknd? And since it seems I am in the market for one, what curling iron do you recommend? :)

it's a girl thing //coal and feminine

* these pictures are awkward, especially because I was talking the whole time trying to explain how to use the camera. But you know what? I've realized that my whole life is just awkward at the moment, so I'm learning to get used to it. :) 

Skirt: Thrifted {6.99}

Shirt: Thrifted {6.99}

Cami: Forever 21 {1.90}

Boots: Fred Myer {59.99}

I recently bought these boots (okay. yesterday.) and am quite excited about them. Not only are they beautiful, functional, and stylish, but they're brown! My parents have been complaining mentioning a lot lately that I wear too much black... and the truth is that I do wear black incorporated into almost every single outfit. It's a classy color, relatively easy and goes with almost everything. basically a win-win-win... except that it was starting to upset my parents. So I am excited to start incorporating more brown tones into my wardrobe to compliment these boots.  This is one of the outfits I envisioned when I bought the boots, and it just makes me feel pretty. Which means that I will probably end up wearing it often. ;)

 I swear this child gets cuter by the moment. She just learned to crawl, so we're going to have to look into getting a gate for the fireplace (right now sticking the ottoman in front of it seems to be doing the trick, although she'll probably learn to get around it eventually.) and a gate for the stairs. It's also way more work when watching her, because of hazardous choking material all over the house. But it's also fun, because it means she's growing normally. Plus she crawls pretty cute. :)

xx,

it's a girl thing // polka dots and womanhood

I decided today was a favorite dress day. This one is twirly, polka-dotted and fun. The perfect pick-me-up for days when I feel less than great.  I thrifted it a couple of weeks before valentine's day this year, for the swing dance I attended with my big brother. It is absolutely perfect to dance in, paired with my favorite pair of black pumps. :) It's also perfect for church, weddings, sunny days and everything in between. It's basically my equivalent of a LBD. :)

"We are called to be women. The fact that I am a woman does not make me a different kind of Christian, but the fact that I am a Christian does make me a different kind of woman. For I have accepted God's idea of me, and my whole life is an offering back to Him of all that I am and what He wants me to be."

..."so the woman who accepts the limitations of womanhood finds in those very limitations her gift, her special calling--wings, in fact, which bear her up into perfect freedom, into the will of God."

Worship is not an experience. Worship is an act, and this takes discipline. We are to "worship in spirit and truth." Never mind about the feelings, We are to worship in spite of them!"

I've been reading Let Me Be A Woman by Elisabeth Elliot all week, and my-oh-my... it's fabulous! I had tried to pick it up several times before, but hadn't been able to really get into it. But it's totally a God thing, because this book is exactly what I need to be learning/reading and it's answering so many questions I'm dealing with. I've always been a very strong personality. I've always believed that women are perfectly capable, that it's fine for them to attend colleges, and have careers, that women could be called to do anything. And I still believe that, (as long as it is the will of God, but that is true of men as well!). But Mrs. Elliot has helped me realize more fully that the woman's role in society, marriage, and life in general is absolutely beautiful, special, and unique and it is something to be fully embraced. It's not that we aren't capable as women, it's that we were created for something entirely different.

it's a girl thing // coral and silver

The Details:

Maxi Skirt: Kohl's {12.00}

Sweater : Goodwill {6.99}

Cami: Forever 21 {1.90}

Shoes: Payless {19.99}

Earrings (not pictured, they're two sets of diamond studs): Claire's {8.99}

I bought this maxi last weekend because I was shopping with my sister-in-law and really can't resist maxi skirts. :) Plus it was totally almost 60% off. (Mom was slightly perturbed when I brought it home because it's not the third striped maxi I own. But they're in different colors so they really are not that similar. haha) 

This outfit was actually an accident. :) When Eden asked me to do a Fashion Friday for her this weekend, I planned out a cute summery outfit featuring my favorite polka dotted dress. But when I woke up that day, (actually after I had several cups of coffee and could finally see and think coherently.) I realized that it was pouring rain outside and freezing. I wasn't upset at all though, because it gave me the perfect opportunity to pull out my favorite sweater and pair it with the new maxi. (It's actually the only shirt I own that works with the skirt. I'm gonna have to remedy that. ;)

Currently my brain hurts because I'm working on some math stuff. Early, I made a quadruple batch of oatmeal cookies and four loaves of bread, wrapped a friend's birthday gift, and washed the car. (although I have a sneaking suspicion that as soon as I drive it down the driveway in the morning it will look just as bad as it did before. #lifeonagravelroad :) Later I will probably do laundry, play with my dog for awhile and then we're going to hang out at the river this evening. :)

How has your day been?

xx,

It's A Girl Thing // Lace and Denim

I french braided my hair and then flipped it up inside itself and pinned it earlier this morning, but it slipped and looks strange, but at least it's off my neck! :)

 Daisy making a guest appearance... she was following me around the whole time. :)

The Details:

Skirt: Gift {0.00)

Tied Chambray Shirt: Khols {19.99}

Black Cami: Forever 21 {1.99}

Earrings: Gift {0.00}

I was inspired reading a post by the lovely Hannah Everly recently about being real in the blogging world. (something I've talked a little about before.) Anyway,  she inspired me to not feel so self concious about the "little less than perfect" photos of myself.

#imalittlesassy

     Over the last year or so I have been becoming much more confident in my personality. I dealt with the normal issues as a young teen, (13-15) where everything is awkward and the typical ungraceful stage every girl seems to go through. But, contrary to most girls, I just never grew out of that stage. I take tumbles regularly, fall down the stairs at least once a month; I trip over my words and sentences and most of the time my brain is moving forward too fast and my tongue doesn't keep up. I can't make my thoughts into words, and I forget things with the speed of lightening. I cut myself and hurt myself all the time and it's not on purpose, (I am NOT a self harmer... it just happens.).  I have struggled with my ungracefulness for so long, (Doesn't every girl dream of being graceful and beautiful as a princess??) but I am learning to be confident in who I am. I may not be the most graceful person in the world, or on the dance floor, but have you tried my soups? ;) And that's just for starters! I can do lots of things well, so ungracefullness doesn't need to worry me so much. 
     Two days ago I landed flat on my back in a mud puddle after trying to kick a soccer ball from a standing position while holding a mug of hot coffee. The coffee went one direction while I landed squarely in the puddle. Whilst wearing a cute '50's style swing dress no less. My reaction, to my brothers relief, (who ALL witnessed it, btw,) was to giggle uncontrolibaly... while laying in the puddle. I just kept imagining how funny it had to look. The funny thing is that about a month ago I was having a conversation with one of the guys from church about sports, (no idea how it came up...) and I explained that I don't play sports except for volleyball because I am super klutzy and it seems like volleyball is the most "not dangerous" sport out there... and he asked if soccer would be safe. My answer was, "no, I'm pretty sure I would end up falling flat on my back..." I don't think he really believed me, but I proved myself right... :)

(Pretty sure this look means something like "don't make fun of my poses!" :)

So basically all this was to say, embrace who you are, because nobody else in the world is exactly like you, and it seems cliche, but we can be beautiful and special, no matter how weird or klutzy we are. :)
xx,

it's a girl thing // brown and mauve

The details: 

Dress: ??? 

Scarf: Gift {0.00}

Headband: Gift {0.00}

Wasn't that info terribly informational? :)

Today has been interesting. Mom had to leave pretty early, so I was up a little earlier than usual, downing coffee like a pro. :) Soon after she left, I fed James his breakfast and got him dressed and picked out this outfit for myself. I knew that I wouldn't be going anywhere, and that I am not feeling great, (getting over a headcold) so I wanted something EXTREMELY comfy. This dress is always the one I go to for comfort. It isn't flattering, because of the hiplines and pockets, but boy is it comfortable. I paired it with this scarf and headband (which I picked out separately, actually, and they were a perfect match.) I also decided not to bother with shoes. :)

     After getting dressed I straightened my hair and put make up on. (Yay for sparkly gold eyeshadow!). I'm going hiking tomorrow morning, and have to be up really early to meet everyone on time, and i knew I wouldn't want to spend much time on my hair in the morning. So I washed it last night and straightened it this morning so that tomorrow I can just brush it and maybe touch up the straightening a bit. Strategy, folks! :)

     And after finally getting ready for the day, I searched the entire house for my SD card, which my little sister had misplaced. I finally found it in the last place I looked. Who would have thunk it? :) 

     I've also been working on laundry all day, and will be done as soon as I finish drying the current load. :) This afternoon I shall do math and biology, and read some of The Three Hostages by John Buchan. (His books are fabulous, ftr.) I shall probably also con one of my brothers into going for a walk with me. 

How has your day been?

xx,

     

it's a girl thing // blue and athletic

Shirt: gift from my sister. :)

Skirt: Goodwill {6.99}

Keens: Gift {0.00}

This was my outfit for walking all of last week, when it was gloriously  sunny and warm out. I bought this athletic skirt a few weeks ago, and am loving it. It's long enough to be comfortable, and it has built in shorts, so I don't have to worry about anything. It's super flexible and comfy and basically, walking skirts are the best thing ever. (And this week I am back to warm coats and long exercise pants, because the weather decided to get rainy and wet and dismal again. Nevertheless, Daniel and i ventured forth to a nearby walking trail and accomplished twelve miles before breakfast. o.O

and yes, my brother is totally photobombing me in the first photo, and i knew it, but was running completely out of time and was going to be late somewhere. ;)

xx,

it's a girl thing // purple, denim and polka dots

Details:

Skirt: Gift (but refashioned by me) {0.00}

Sweater: Kmart {I honestly don't remember how much I paid. Probably around 15.00}

Scarf: Thrifted {4.99}

Belt: Kmart {10.00?}

Shoes: Payless {15.99}

Leggings: Walmart {5.99}

    You guys should be proud of me. I actually remembered to put on shoes for these photos!! This outfit was one that I spent about three minuets putting together this morning. My main focus/idea when figuring it out was, "I AM FREEZING." So I wanted something warm, and the first thing I pulled out of my drawer was this purple sweater that I don't wear very often because it's a little too short. I threw it on and decided to go with my high-waisted denim skirt because i could tuck it in. The scarf was added for warmth, and I realized that I needed something else that was white to tie it in, so I added the belt and these shoes, which are colorful and make the outfit more casual.:) My hair is up in a high pony-tail because i didn't feel like straightening or curling it today.

    Basically, I am admitting that this outfit happened because I was freezing and lazy. But I think it turned out pretty cute. ;)

#awkward

For those of you who are interested, here are my make up details:

Mascera: Covergirl, Lashblast fusion

Lip Tint: Burts Bees, Rhubarb Color

Eyeshadow: Sally Beauty Supply: Palladio Herbal Eye-shadow Quad in Purple 

Blush: Fred Myers: Maybealline dream bouncy blush in Pink Plum

Foundation Powder: L'oreal, Hydra Perfect

Conceler: Revlon, Colorstay extra light

Eyeliner: Sheer Cover Mineral, Classic Brown

I decided to be a little bold with my make-up today and go for bright purple. I found a make up hack last night for brighter eyeshadow. (Layer white eyeshadow over the entire lid to make your color's pop.) so I tried it this morning with a eyeshadow cream i have had for awhile but never really use. It did make my purples more vibrant, and it's keeping it on longer, which is a total plus!

This may win the "Most Bloopery Post I've Ever Done," award. :) You're welcome. Now you realize how strange I am. 

it's a girl thing // pink and sparkly

This afternoon I attempted to take some "it's a girl thing" pictures of  my outfit from church. And after the normal long time it takes to set up my camera, figure out settings that will work with the indoor light, and find the proper angle... etc, and then actually taking the photos, (a feat accomplished by perching my camera on my bookshelf and running back and forth between self-timers...) I decided to ask one of my siblings to head outside with me to snap a few. :)

 #imnotacreepystalker

Can I just mention something that drives me insane? Okay. Curling my hair. Why does it look gorgeous one day, (Friday for me.) and then you try to do the same thing a day or two later and it ends up looking like a tangy scary mess? What am I doing wrong?

Outfit details:

Skirt: Some shop in China {29.99}

Silver Sweater: Goodwill {6.99}

Purple Cami: Fred Myer's {12.99}

Shoes: Kmart: {4.99}

Head Band: Gift {0.00}

I don't know why I still have these shoes. They hurt like crazy and give me blisters every single time I wear them. But they're nude so they go with almost every outfit. Actually. I do know why I still have them. They were on clearance last year, for 4.99. They were such a bargain, that I can't make myself get rid of them, even though they are probably the most uncomfortable pair of shoes I have ever worn. Okay. I think I'll look for a new pair on Tuesday when I go shopping with Sarah. :)

I think this is what the rest of my afternoon is going to consist of. ^ Catching up on bible study... studying. journaling and the baby name book is for character casting. :) I'm going to head down stairs to make myself a cup of Paris tea, complete with a dollop of cream and a small spoonful of sugar, and then come back upstairs to write and read and relax. 

It's a Girl Thing // Cozy and bright {and photograph personalities}

despite the multiple warnings yesterday afternoon that i wanted to take a picture of him and  that i would be posting whatever results i got wether they were attractive or not, these pictures are the result of twenty minuets of negotiating. I rather like them, as candid and "non-posed" as they are. They capture his personality, and that's the entire purpose of photography to me. 

 that's a homemade dirty chai. you should be insanely jealous. it was delish and only a fraction of the $5.50+ that i've payed various places for them. (in case you are uncultured and haven't lived properly, :) a dirty chai is imply a Chai Latte (and a Chai Latte is spices and strong black tea mixed with a sweetener and frothed milk,) with several shots of espresso added. Talk about caffeine. Only get them when 1. you are extremely tired, and 2. you plan on being awake for a very long time.)

it's raining. it's cold. and it's very gloomy. But I got a stack of books from the library a few days ago, and am able to drink gallons of tea without anyone asking any questions, so it's all good. and i'm a happy girl because I FOUND MY CAMERA BATTERY CHARGER!!!!! it was in the "hole" (front part thing that has the cup holder and is always insanely full of junk,) in the van. Heaven knows what it was doing there, but that's unimportant because the only thing that matters is that I found it! :)

My cozy outfit from yesterday:

Skirt: Gift

Denim Leggings: Walmart (12.99)

Brown tee: Goodwill (5.99)

Tied Cardigan: Goodwill (6.95)

Obnoxious but extremely warm Orange Socks: Gift