Simply be still

After a busy busy fun filled weekend of bridal shower and bachelorette activities for my best friend I'm taking this Monday morning to be still. 

It's a struggle of mine to be content with stillness. I love to be on the go and "making the most out of life". But I'm learning the role that stillness, silence, and reflection has on that very motto. Time to be thankful. Time to sit and soak in your surroundings with all your senses, not letting one detail of the moment pass you by. The scent of the fall candle. The flicker of the flame. The tick of the clock. The warmth of the coffee. The contrast of the black and white on the page. 

I opened my devotions and today's title was "Simply Be Still". Just what I needed to hear as I was coming down off the high of a girls weekend and slowly pitying myself for my seemingly boring and uneventful Monday. But instead this is what I read. "while we seek God's will we must not forget His fundamental call to stillness before Him. When we are still and quiet in His presence we put ourselves in the most teachable position possible." (I Lift Up My Soul By: Charles F. Stanley)

xoxo,

Mrs. It's ok to do nothing

OOTD: Mixed prints

I tend to be on the OCD side of matching so I'm easing into this whole mixed prints trend with this floral/stripe similar combo. I know it may match a little too much. But hey, being bold starts with baby steps right? What is your favorite mixed print combo? 

xoxo,

Mrs. MixMatched

Look for Less

I have been drooling over these nude Valentino studded heels (left) all summer. The pricetag? Not so much. So naturally, by thrifty self took this as a challenge to find these beauties on my budget. After much searching, I found a very similar style made by Dollhouse (right)
on Amazon for $30 and took the plunge in ordering them online. They fit perfectly and I'm realizing I actually prefer the suede look over the patent. Success!

Create!

Lately I've been letting "real life" get the best of my creative side. Between work, household duties, and summer outings I have neglected all of my right brained hobbies. I made a new commitment to be intentional about making time for these things that make me so happy: sewing, crafting, drawing, painting, creating, reading, singing, & music. 

Last night I got a sudden urge to purge my closet of everything I didn't wear. 50+  items later and I feel like a new woman! A few items I saw potential to create pieces I've been wanting but have not bought due to our "pay off all my school loans fast as possible budget" So I created them!! 

My first project was making a pair of Lacey ripped up shorts from an old pair of jeans. I really just winged it but they turned out perfect! All you need is scissors, lace, a sewing machine, and YouTube and Pinterest guidance! 

The other thing I've been wanting in my wardrobe is a jean jacket vest. Turns out I had an old Gap jean jacket that I probably wore twice in the 5 years I've had it. So, with the help of scissors, my sewing machine and a little bleach, I created just what I've been wanting. 

This turned out to be such a therapeutic night! I found a quote that says "Unlock Potential: Create Daily". That may have I be my new mantra for life. 

Happy Creating! 

xoxo,

Mrs. Artsy Fartsy

Goodwill finds

Tody I found an adorable dress for an upcoming bridal shower along with some basic tips for $9 TOTAL. Just can't beat Goodwill. Also they are all surplus from target, so really they aren't even used. What are your favorite stores to bargain hunt? 

xoxo,

Mrs. Bargainhunter

Iced Coffee: from home!

I just need to share this recipe for iced coffee. It is the easiest, yummiest, and most affordable I've found! There's no denying, am a coffee girl. On these hot summer days there is nothing more refreshing than iced coffee in a mason jar (yes, the mason jar makes it taste better) So here it is! No more spending $3-4 a cup on something you can make at home for mere cents a cup! 

What you'll need:

2 cups water

1/2 cup instant coffee

1 cup sugar 

1 tsp vanilla

How you'll make it:

1. Bring 2 cups of water to a boil

2. Remove from heat and add instant coffee, sugar, and vanilla until dissolved. 

3. Let cool and store in container in the fridge.

4. Whenever you get the craving pour a small amount of concentrate into a cup full of ice and fill the rest of the way with milk.

That's it! The trick is playing with the ratio to get the strength you like. I personally like filling the remainder of the cup with half water half milk so it's not quite as rich. Happy caffeination! 

xoxo,

Mrs. too thrifty for Starbucks 

The Wonders of Conconut Oil

I'm a sucker for the latest health trends. Lately, it's been coconut oil that I'm using for anything and everything. The question is, how great is it, really? After a few months I can honestly say it is GREAT! I don't have any statistics or hard facts to back up my claims, only my personal experience.

First, it is important that you buy ORGANIC coconut oil. I made the mistake of getting a "non processed""natural" jar but it didn't smell like coconut and just felt greasy. So I finally got it right and found an organic jar that has the lovely tropical a aroma. Second, don't be freaked out that it is a solid. At first I was thinking, what is this stuff and how am I supposed to use it? It is a solid at room temperature, but rub it in your hands for a second or throw it in the microwave and it will turn into it's true oil form. Maybe that's a given, but it threw me off!

Now, you can find lists of hundreds of uses for this stuff on pinterest, gooogle, and probably other blogs. Or purposes of practicality I will share my top 5 favorite uses.

1. Eye makeup remover- massage a small glob in circular motion over eye makeup, morph into a raccoon, then wipe off with cottonball to return to your human state. I may be imagining things but I also feel like it's made my eyelashes thicker and stronger! I am no longer afraid of my waterproof and heavy duty 'waxy' mascaras that otherwise leave annoying residue on my eyes.
2. Moisturizer- I use this stuff on my face, dry elbows, and rough heels, it locks in moisture, smooths skin, and even smells good! *Disclaimer: I was very nervous to use an oil on my face in fear of breakouts but I think it has actually helped my complexion and skin clarity*
3. Cooking- I am an olive oil addict in the kitchen, so I was hesitant to switch it up. Turns out the taste isn't overwhelming and you can use it as a butter substitute or simply use it to grease a pan.
4. Body scrub base- add your grit of choice (salt, sugar, coffee grounds, etc.) and Tah Dah! You have an amazing body scrub. I love using mine in the shower because it helps heat the oil and leaves me feeling smooth and moisturized.
5. Daily "vitamin"- Yes folks, it is ok and even recommend to ingest a spoon or two of this stuff straight from the jar every day. It doesn't taste bad! Plus it's supposed to be great for your hair and skin and rev up your metabolism. Sign me up!

What are your favorite uses for coconut oil? What have you heard about this trend?

xoxo,
Mrs. Trend Tester