Lookbook: Sequins to bring in the New Year + Something New…

January 3, 2012

{Leather Jacket: Windsor Store, Sequins Top: Old Navy, Pants: Gap, Shoes: Francescas, Pearls: Made by me}

Sequins….the best way to end and begin a year, eh?? 😉

So friends, I want to start connecting my lookbook posts to something close to my heart: modest fashion.

I see so many women today suffer from self-esteem and self-image issues. I know so much of this is caused by the way “beautiful” women are portrayed in fashion and media. Not only does it seem you have to be skinny and perfect, but you have to “flaunt what you’ve got” to get attention….except its not the kind of attention our hearts are made for.

I am really more of the Audrey era in mindset:)…

“The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman is seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her hear, the place where love resides. True beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It’s the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows & the beauty of a woman only grows with passing years.”

~ Audrey Hepburn

So, here is where I need your tips! Starting something new, where I am going to be opening up the Lookbook posts as a chance to link up your own outfit posts on your blog as well! Here’s the dilemma: What to title the link up party’s?? Would love your suggestions! Shoot me an email or leave a comment with any catchy phrase ideas that embodies modest fashion:)

Cheers to new things in 2012!

12 Goals for 2012.

January 2, 2012

{via Oh Hello Friend}

1. Write more handwritten letters.

2. Get back into running and nail a 10K.

3. Morning Prayer.

4. Explore a new part of Atlanta.

5. More phone calls to loved ones.

6. Journal about my children.

7. Continue to grow and improve IHOD.

8. Show Gabriel the beach for the first time.

9. Read the top 5 books on my reading list.

10. Dance lessons with Gabe.

11. Visit a new city.

12. Make our house a home, room by room.

I loved Danni’s idea of 12 before 2012, but since I missed the opportunity I decided to make 12 simple goals for 2012. Some are more challenging than others, but each important to me. Hoping by making them realistic I can meet these goals by the end of the year:) I love a fresh start and blank page…

{via pinterest}

Here are some of the trials and triumphs of 2011 that brought both
tears and suffering, joy and peace:

1. Losing Gabe’s Oma and my Aunt Amy.

2. Giving birth to my first daughter, Veronica Rose.

3. The Happy 1000’s.

4. Welcoming two new nieces to the family, and receiving a new nephew on New Years Eve!

5. Running a successful business, and knowing that it was time to close the doors.

6. Celebrating three years of marriage with my spouse.

7. Moving back to Georgia.

8. Getting to teach first graders a few hours a week.

9. My best friends wedding in NYC.

10. The first time my son said, “I love you mom.”

11. Christmas morning with almost my entire family.

Thankful for each one of you that have been a friend along the way! Looking forward to what God will bring in 2012. His plan is the perfect plan. 🙂

Bloggers Favorite Moments of 2011 Part 2…

December 31, 2011

Thank you wonderful ladies for sharing with us your memorable moments of 2011!

{photo via pink sugar photography}

“2011 is ending on such a sweet note! This is the first year my daughter ‘gets’ Christmas, so it’s been a blast experiencing it all through her eyes, like a kid again. And we welcomed her very first cousin last week – I could not be happier for my little brother!”

~Erika of Small Shop Studio

“My favorite moment of 2011 was my first night with my husband in our new home in Santa Monica. With not a piece of furniture yet inside, Jonas & I spent the evening on the hardwood floor eating Chinese take out. We laughed all night and talked about our plans for the new place. Although it was quite a simple evening, it was the most special. “

~Jenny May of The Swede Records

“My favorite moment of 2011 was realizing that blogging could open up so many doors and possibilities for my true passions and dreams to become a reality, along with meeting some extraordinary and inspiring ladies around the world who share similar interests! The possibilities truly are endless!”

~Drew of Coral Cafe

Bloggers Favorite Moments of 2011….

December 30, 2011

I thought it would be fun to share with you some of your favorite bloggers’ (and mine) most memorable moments of 2011! I love each and every one of their responses:)

“My favorite moment of 2011 was definitely getting married to Matthew! It was amazing to be surrounded by our closest family and friends as we said our ‘I Do’s. It was a day full of moments that I hope I remember for the rest of my life!” ~ Mara of M loves M

“The moment that put the cherry-on-top of my 2011 was meeting Mary McDonald of Million Dollar Decorators with Cristin {Simplified Bee}, who I interned with this summer! I even shared an elevator ride with her (: She’s as fabulous as she is on the show…starstruck!” ~Michaela of Michaella Noelle Designs

“I didn’t even have to think twice about my answer – My favorite moment of 2011 was finally seeing a positive pregnancy test and getting to tell my husband the happy news. It wasn’t easy for us to get to that point and we are forever grateful for the blessing of a baby.”

~ Melanie of You are My Fave

Thinking. Writing. Hoping.

December 29, 2011

{via matchbook mag}

I actually love the start of a new year as an opportunity to look back at a year of triumphs and trials, both of which allow you to grow, and look forward to a new year with all its fresh white pages and opportunities.

Thinking it all through and

writing down blessings, goals, and

hoping for a wonderful new year:)

Going to be sharing some of my favorite bloggers most memorable moments of 2011. Stay tuned!!

12 Days of Christmas Recap 2011

December 28, 2011

Thoroughly enjoying this time in my little bubble with my family. Cutting off from the internet/work for a few days to celebrate Christmas has been wonderful.

There are 12 days of Christmas so we are still celebrating over here!…

Just a few of the moments that made this year’s Christmas memorable:

Christmas Cookie Decoration contest.

Carols by the piano.

Christmas Eve Mass with my entire family (missing my sister Tricia due with a baby any day!)

Gift exchange…. Happy tears, squeals, and surprises galore.

Babies in Christmas PJ’s.

Christmas Day walk with my dad.

Family Bunco Night. (and laughing so hard my side hurt.)

Husband’s Christmas Beard.

Sister talks.

Seeing Gabriel interact with his cousins.

Dance Parties in the kitchen.

Non-stop coffee sessions.

I don’t want it to be over:( Dreading the drive back to reality!

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas as well!

Can’t wait to share with you some great things happening on IHOD in 2012!

Dedicated to the King…..

December 24, 2011

(source)

I look at Christmas as the most important day in history.

Love so great that a son was sacrificed and sent to save the meek, lowly, suffering, and sinners alike. His example of humility in being born in a stable just the start of a life lead in service to others and to his Father in Heaven. As I cuddle my own babies this Christmas, I can’t help but relate to Mary…

There must have been so much love in that stable that night.

There must have been so much wonder and awe.

There must have been so much hope.

“But you, Bethlehem, though you be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.” ~Micah 5:2

This little baby, the King of Kings would change human kind!

From Gabe and I, Veronica and Gabriel,

we wish you all a very Blessed Christmas with your loved ones!!