Remixing My Wardrobe + Sephora Gift Card Giveaway

When I was pregnant, I stood in my closet many mornings admiring all of the clothes that I couldn't fit at the moment...vowing to not buy a single article of clothing after I lost the baby weight...but actually wear the clothes I already owned. 

I knew that in order to stick to my vow self-imposed shopping ban, I would have to get a little more creative with my wardrobe and kick up my remixing skills. The only problem is I kinda suck at remixing my wardrobe. I tend to buy pieces for a specific outfit or look, and then a lot of those pieces just hang in my closet never to be worn again.

So I did what most girls do these days when searching for a little inspiration....I took to Pinterest! I pinned this outfit a few months ago and whadya know...I already had all of the pieces to create a similar look. Hey now.

leather jacket: Guess via Marshalls // striped top: H&M // scarf: GAP

distressed denim: Target // booties: Impo via Marshalls // bag: Louis Vuitton

Linking up:
Style Sessions
Trend Spin Linkup
Random Wednesday
What I Wore Wednesday

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To kick off March, I've teamed up with a few lovely bloggers to bring you an awesome giveaway...FOUR lucky readers will win a $55 gift card to Sephora! The giveaway will run until next Wednesday so be sure to enter & good luck!

Tori | Grace

Laura | Aisha

Jewel | Nikki

Jessi | Meredith 

Angela | Liz

Dana | Jena 

Katelin | Deidre 

Victoria | Barbie

Rachel | Jody

 Rachel

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Vintage Honey Shop | Review

Photo cred :: Kim of Team Howard Photography

My sweet girl has definitely started teething. She's drooling a ton and chewing on EVERYTHING. She's also constantly grabbing at everything in arm's reach - including my hair and jewelry. 

I received this adorable teething necklace from the ladies at The Vintage Honey Shop. Initially, when I'd wear it and she would grab at it, my first reaction was to try to save it from being yanked off my neck. But after wearing it a couple times, I realized the necklace is made for yanking....and sucking...and chewing. Perfect for those itchy little gums.

And how great is it that mamas everywhere can come out of necklace retirement?! The necklace comes in a variety of colors and patterns - great for dressing up your mommy uniform (i.e., jeans & a tee). ;) 

Check out the shop and tell 'em I sent you!

Month {5}

 The past month introduced a few new milestones and adventures. I took my first work trip since being back from maternity leave. Ryann stayed with my parents for the 3 days I was gone so mommy AND daddy got a little break. I missed her every single second I was gone but it was nice to have a few days of uninterrupted rest. 

I'm still nursing so I was a little nervous about the extra equipment I was going to have to haul with me...and getting the "liquid gold" through security with no issues. I was able to pump about 45 ounces of milk during my trip. One of my co-workers told me that I shouldn't let TSA send my milk through the x-ray --- something I hadn't even thought about. So I get to the front of the security line and tell the TSA officer that I didn't want to send my milk through the scanner...and it all went downhill from there. Apparently, whenever you refuse to send a liquid through the scanner, an additional pat down is required along with an additional search through my luggage AND special testing of some of the milk.

While I appreciate TSA's diligence in making sure there was no explosive substance in my breast milk, it was a pretty uncomfortable experience. And all of this went down in front of my boss...so awkward. Oh, the things we do for our babies. I'm taking another trip to California in a couple weeks so I guess I better get ready for round 2.

16.4 pounds 

Wearing 6 month clothing

Recently moved up to size 3 diapers
Still supplementing - eating about 4-5oz of either BM or formula every 3 hours

Sleeps about 8 hours a night and takes 2-3 short naps during the day 
Rolls over from back to tummy like a champ
Able to pivot herself in a circle
Quite the little giggle monster

Fine motor skills are improving - able to pick up an object and bring it to her mouth
Definitely starting the teething process - she's been gnawing on just about everything
No longer fussy when we put her in her car seat - thank goodness :)

She's been a little under the weather for over a month now. The weather here in Dallas is so inconsistent - one day it's 70 degrees - the next day it's 30 degrees. She's been super congested and has had a little cough that has been keeping all 3 of us up at night. With all of that, she's still been her happy little self. But I'll be SO glad when spring comes and is here to stay. 

I can't believe another whole month has flown by. I say that every month, huh? ha! But it's true. My baby is growing so fast. On one hand, it's so fun watching her little personality develop and watching her grow...on the other hand, I'm reminded with each month that passes that she won't be my cute little cuddly baby for long. So I'm just trying to enjoy every single day with her. She's my little love.

The Also Principle

Let's talk about my home for a second. It is my job to make my home a sanctuary. A peaceful place. An environment where my husband feels respected. A home where my children thrive. Where the neighborhood kids love to hang out. Where friends and family feel comfortable and at home. A clean home. Where grace is extended and God's love is apparent. 

But here's the million dollar question...HOW do I create this kind of sanctuary on top of working, trying to be a good wife and mother, cooking, cleaning, maintaining friendships, and most importantly, spending quiet time with the Lord? Maybe I should just stop sleeping. :| Or better yet, maybe I should hire myself a wife!

Some days I wish I could balance it all just like good ol' Claire Huxtable did. 

via

Such a super woman, that Claire was. Loving wife, doting mother, professional, and impeccably dressed. And her home...always so clean. She made pretty meals. The kids' friends were always over hanging out. And once the kids were grown, she and Cliff couldn't get rid of them. Claire was pretty close to perfection. I mean look at her...all happy and dancing...seriously, Claire?

Actually, forget Claire...how about the Proverbs 31 woman?

via

This is it right here people...the perfect wife, mother, homemaker, and woman after God's heart. Biblical womanhood defined thanks to the Proverbs 31 woman. 

side note: I came to know Jesus in March 2004. Shortly after I was saved, I visited a friend in Houston and we all decided to get tattoos. I wanted my tattoo to be meaningful....so I decided to go with a cross...or maybe a scripture. Except as a new believer, I didn't know many scriptures...with the exception of Proverbs 31. So guess what I decided to get? A cross on my lower back with...WAIT FOR IT...Proverbs 31 centered in the cross! I mean seriously...WHO gets a cross tattooed with PROVERBS 31 directly above their butt crack ? ONLY me. Geez.

Anyway, back to my point. Although many of us (including me) aspire to be like Claire or the Proverbs 31 woman, meeting this standard on a regular basis is nearly impossible. So I'd resolved that I just needed to focus on getting through each day in one piece...and things would fall into place eventually. 

Remember that book that's been sitting on my coffee table for months now...the book I was supposed to finish by the end of summer...yeah, well it continued to sit on my coffee table...collecting dust. Until recently. A few of the wives in our marriage life group decided to tackle the book together and discuss our learnings each week.

Ah, accountability...it was just the push I needed to dust the book off, crack it open, and dive in. 

We've only gotten through chapter 3, but the book, The Home Experience, has really helped me look at homemaking differently. Rather than beat myself up for not balancing everything perfectly, keeping a spotless house, and keeping the atmosphere all light, fluffy, and loving, why not adopt an Also mindset:

Clear off the desk - and dust it. Also.
Take a shower - and spray a little shower cleaner. Also.
Wash the dishes - and sweep the floor. Also.
Set the table - and light a candle. Also.
Take off my clothes - and hang them up. Also.

You see...the Also Principle is basically defined by a willing attitude to do a little more than is asked of you. An attitude that honors the Lord. When the Also Principle is woven into our character and we are obedient to God's Word, we will experience God's blessings known as the "inheritance of Abraham".

Whether single or married, we women wear many hats. Finding a good balance is a process. And the process starts with consistently seeking the Lord for peace and direction. And asking Him for a little extra energy that even exercise and an energy drink won't give you. 

I'm trying HARD to relax (trying being the operative word). And I've stopped trying to be something I'm not....afterall, Claire Huxtable was a fictional character. Duh. Instead, I'm working on adding a little also to my daily routine. We'll see how it goes.

Pink+Red :: 2 Valentine's Inspired Outfits

Annnddd I'm back with my first style post, post-baby! Yay me! Let's just say that showering and getting decently dressed every day with a new baby is one thing...attempting to capture blog worthy pics on top of that seems nearly impossible these days. But with the help of my photog friend, Kim, I'm hoping to work a style-related post in at least once a week. *fingers crossed*

So with Valentine's Day coming up, I took to my closet to see what I could pull together for a casual night out with my hubby. I managed to pull together not just one, but TWO looks! Holler.

chambray & headband: Target // tulle maxi skirt: Kohl's {black version}
flats: Nine West Outlet // necklace: Piperlime // watch: Michael Kors

blazer: Macy's // top: Old Navy // denim: Target

booties: GAP // necklace: Anthropologie // watch: Michael Kors

So now for the hard part...which look should I go with?

Linking up:
Random Wednesday
What I Wore Wednesday

Pinspiration | Home Decor

We moved in our home in May.

I was 6 months pregnant at the time but that didn't stop me (although it should have) from attempting to decorate almost every room in the house before baby girl made her debut. I worked tirelessly  to pull the house together from the day we moved in until literally weeks before she was born. Since she arrived in September, I obviously haven't had the time or energy to think about decorating...but now that I'm back at work and we've settled into our routine, I'm eager to start filling in some more of the little details (paint, framed photos, etc) around the house.

I've had time to re-evaluate some of my initial decor choices and purchases. No surprise that I regret a couple of the purchases I made while pregnant (and extremely hormonal). So I'm now taking a step back, making a task list, and tackling one room at a time.

I recently took to my Home Decor board on Pinterest for a little home decor and DIY inspo: 

We have a ton of books that we've read/collected over the years that don't have a home at the moment. There is a perfect space upstairs in my husband's "man room" for a bookshelf. Love this one with the bright yellow background. Pretty sure hubby won't let me put anything this sunny in his man room but still love the idea.

We have a bench almost identical to this one in our entry way. It's bare now but I'm hoping to add a couple of pillows and some art and/or photos above it soon. 

I bought a gorgeous, modern 40x40 canvas to display above the couch in our living room. As much as I love the print, I've been thinking about replacing it with a wall collage. Love this one...simple but makes a bold statement. 

Love the idea of positive words and/or a verse of the week in the kitchen. I'm adding this to my growing list of DIY projects. 

There is a blank space right below our stairs that is screaming for some attention. Love this wall collage...the perfect mix of art and candid photos.

The main wall in our eat-in kitchen area dons a fun little gallery wall. I ended up going with a neutral color palette for the wall...and it turned out cute, but almost a little too monochromatic. Hubby and I have been talking about painting the wall to add a little pop...and, as of last week, we agreed on stripes. Love the striped wall in this pin.

Hoping to post a few before and after photos here soon so stay tuned!

Oh, and don't forget to follow me on PINTEREST ;)

Month {4}

Ryann started daycare on January 2^nd. Having her stay at home with my mom for a couple weeks after I went back to work really helped soften the separation anxiety blow for me. It helped me get used to being away from her for 8-10 hours a day. I had a peace knowing she was getting lots of love and care from Grandma. 

She started daycare on a Thursday so I decided to take that day and the following day off. She did half days both days. A friend suggested I ease into it that way to get both of used to the new routine and environment. I was a bit nervous the night before her first day. I’m a bit of a procrastinator so, in true Angela fashion, I was scrambling to pull everything together on the daycare checklist…pre-made bottles, a few changes of clothes, a couple of fitted crib sheets, receiving blankets, bibs, etc. I went to bed still feeling a bit uneasy but was glad for the day to finally be here. We arrived at around 8:45 that morning...she was asleep when we got there so I left her in her car seat while I put her sheet on her crib and placed all of her things in her cubby. I was OK until I picked her up from her car seat and, suddenly, I lost my will to not cry…the tears just started flowing. Her teacher gave me a tissue and assured me that what I was feeling was normal…that all moms go through this. After a couple of hugs and kisses, her teacher, Ms. Cindy, took her from me and gave her a little squeeze…and Ryan immediately started smiling at her. 

She was instantly interested in her surroundings…the other babies, the sounds, the toys. I stayed for a few more minutes to observe her in this new environment before heading out to run a few errands. It took about a week to get used to the new routine but I'd say we're both settling in well.

14.11 pounds 

25 inches 

Wearing 3-6 month clothes (Old Navy and Baby Gap sizing is spot on…love their baby clothes)

Still in size 2 diapers...but not for long

Sleeps about 8 hours a night and takes 2-3 short naps during the day (30 minutes – 1 hour)

Sits up well in her Bumbo

Grabbing at and reaching for EVERYTHING

Loves the exersaucer Grandma and Grandpa bought her for Christmas

Recently discovered her feet...I'm sure they'll be in her mouth soon

Very observant of her surroundings - watches our mouths very closely when we’re talking

Smiles constantly and starting to giggle

Drools a ton – we probably need to buy an amber necklace soon

Not a fan of her car seat

Got her first cold – yucky runny nose and congestion

Does NOT like for mommy to wipe her nose

4 months. Wow. Loving her little feisty personality. She’s such a happy baby – always smiling.

Love her and love being her mommy.