Trendsetter

written by: Laura

In light of all the talk of fashion this week, I wanted to share an embarrassing fashion story. I KNOW you will keep reading now! ;)

Earlier this semester I was dropping Hubby off on campus for work, he looks around and apparently notices that every single girl is wearing jeans/pants tucked into tall boots. He exclaims (with a puzzled look), "I guess this jeans tucked into boots must be the new style?!" Me (laughing as I have been wearing this same style for oh, about 6 YEARS!) "I guess so, Honey."

It reminded me that being around college girls as much as I have in the last 8 years, I feel like I always know what "the style" is. Eighteen years olds are never shy to wear something on the cutting edge of fashion because it probably does look the best on them. I usually try to somewhat keep up so that I'm not that awkward 30-something (and now also coincidentally called "ma'am") trying to befriend college girls to minister to them.

Now, on to the embarrassing part.

We spent a season of life and ministry in Memphis, TN in 2007. It was the very beginning of the "leggings craze". Of course I saw them all over campus (all day every day) so it was normal to me. I was a lot closer to 18 then so I thought I would try them even though they harkened back to my early 90's childhood. I thought they would be harmless enough without the coordinating neon puff-painted shirt. I actually had to order them from Target online because they weren't carried in the store yet, at least in Tennessee (hard to imagine now, I know, young Padawan).

We were also in the window of time when you move someplace and visit a different church every Sunday to try to find a church home (not gonna say church shopping, don't get me started).

Well one of these Sundays I decided my leggings were ready for their close up. I had a little of that "no one knows me there" air that gave me a sense of boldness. I had not done my homework to know that the church we were visiting this particular Sunday was uber traditional.

It was one of those moments when you walk in someplace and immediately alarm bells go off in your head (does this happen to anyone else?). They were SO not ready for leggings! I might as well have had 3 heads.

We were sent to a sunday school class of our peers and most of the other women were dressed very "safely" in dressy pants or skirts and button ups and sweaters. I felt like I was walking around with a spotlight following me! Probably most of this was just in my head, but I couldn't wait to get out of there.

We actually did end up landing in a different church (whew!), so I was just that random one-time visitor in leggings before their time.

And now I wear leggings all the time without a second thought, and the women in that Sunday school class probably wear them now too. You're welcome, Ladies!

Favorite Things: Winter Wardrobe

written by Laura

#1 Tall Boots

These boots are a favorite of mine because they are gorgeous and amazing, but also because of the story behind them. 

I had been living overseas with my hubby and little guy and had to come back to the U.S. very suddenly and under very traumatic/tragic circumstances. I packed in an emotional frenzy and without knowing that the U.S. was our final destination so you can probably imagine the random assortment of things that I brought, and things that I left that I needed. For example, in the outerwear category, I had only packed fur-lined boots and a knee length down coat. Neither of which you EVER need in South Carolina. 

So, my sweet Mama stepped up (knowing that I love shopping) and took me in a jet-lagged, culture shocked, grieving stupor to get some things that I could actually wear that wouldn't be a personal sauna, including an outfit to wear to a memorial service for a friend 3 days after the wheels of our plane touched down on American soil. 

I saw these boots that day, and fell in love. They were more than I would usually spend on shoes. I get most of my shoes from Target and these were at Rack Room (I know, big spender! ha!), but my Mom bought them for me for "Christmas" but gave them to me that day! I still love them and wear them at least once a week and am reminded of an act of kindness, generosity and love (in caramel-colored leather form) at a time when I needed it most. 

#2 Coat

I found this coat last fall at Forever21 (I lovingly call it Forever31). I got it on the clearance rack when all clearance was an extra 50% off. 

So, originally it was $37, marked down to $18.50 on clearance, but wait for it... extra 50% off that... grand total $9.25!!! I snatched that coat up so fast! And I  talked other customers around me into buying it (should've gotten a commission check, I "sold" 3 of them). I am that random person likes to make conversation when I am shopping, and I would love to be a stylist, so they were  pretty much goners!

I had also picked up a bracelet on that trip which was marked for $5, but I refused to buy it when the coat was only $9. It would just mess with my good deal mojo! :) 

I love this coat because the deep purple color goes with everything and I feel like it really pulls an outfit together because of the structure and the fact that it has a built-in belt  Remember things are only a good deal if you actually love it and wear it. I have to remind myself of this occasionally. 

#3 Jewelry

Ok, so I cheated a little on this one. I couldn't pick just one favorite. I LOVE jewelry and have always been an "earrings" girl, but I think I am ever so slowly being won over by team necklace. Why can't you be both, you ask? Well, because most all jewelry I like and wear is B-I-G. I try to like those dainty petite little pieces, but put me in front of a wall of jewelry and 9 times out of 10 I will go for the piece that is most likely to give me future back problems from it's weight. Southern girl problems?

Hospitality & Giveaway

written by Kelly


What does your mind immediately picture when you hear the term “hospitality”?  Do you envision platters full of delicious food or beautiful table settings set off with fresh flowers and candles?  

It’s so easy to fall into the Martha Stewart trap of believing we can only offer hospitality when our homes are perfectly stocked and prepped.  I know I fall into that way of thinking too many times and miss out on wonderful opportunities to open our door even when life is messy and thrown together.  

Hospitality is so much more than just the opening of our homes.  It’s the opening of our hearts to others.  It’s risking vulnerability and heartache in order to usher others into letting their walls down and feeling safe to remove their masks and be welcomed just as they are.

It is just this sort of hospitality that one of my favorite bloggers has recently written an ebook about.  Edie of Life in Grace, recently released her first ebook “31 Days to a Heart of Hospitality”.

Here’s a taste of what she shares:

Hospitality isn’t about inviting people into our perfect homes, it’s about inviting them into our imperfect hearts.

It’s about learning to live from that vulnerable place where we open ourselves to love.

And ultimately, it’s about Him—-The perfect Host who provides for everything we sinners need, right down to the best wine for the wedding feast.

This ebook is for anyone who has felt his own poverty and known the redemption of being loved anyway.

Her blog is beloved by so many because Edie herself exemplifies what it means to open yourself up to love.  She shares from her heart about her faith, great literature, gourmet food, and so many other passions.  Through it all she makes you long to be her neighbor where you could just pop over on any given day and share a cup of coffee and be inspired to live more purposefully.  

I have fallen in love with her and know you all will too.  

Edie has so generously offered to give 2 of our readers a free download of her new ebook.  There are several ways to enter the giveaway:

1.  Leave a comment below sharing what makes you feel welcome at someone's home.

2.  For another entry share this post on Twitter or Facebook and then come back here and comment letting us know.

*You have until Friday to enter!*  

*The winners will be announced on Saturday, February 2nd.*

Favorite Things: Winter Wardrobe

Written by Kelly

Those glorious days of warm spring-like weather are definitely over and now it is full on COLD around here!  I'm not one who enjoys cold weather unless it means that I get to see some fluffy white precipitation.  But one thing I do love are the clothes that I get to wear when the temperatures start to take a dive.  

This week we are each going to share our 3 favorite items from our winter wardrobes.  Maybe you'll see something that you like and catch it on deep discount right now since all the stores are clearing out their winter stock and gearing up for Spring.  

#1 Riding Boots

In the past I would typically buy a cheap pair of boots in the fall and wear them constantly through fall and winter and by the end of those 2 seasons the soles on the boots would be so worn down that I would have to throw them away.  Last year I decided to finally invest in a quality pair of boots that cost more than I would normally spend because I was tired of this vicious cycle.  When I found this pair I was in love!  They are the most comfortable shoes I've ever owned!  I cannot recommend them enough!

#2 Cowlneck Sweater

I could wear this sweater every day and be perfectly fine with it.  It is so soft and warm and on those really cold days the cowl neck makes me feel like I can snuggle into a cocoon and be cozy.  The oatmeal color goes with everything.  I can't help myself, this is probably the third sweater of this style that I have purchased over the years.  Every time one wears out I have to replace it.  

#3 Leather tote

This tote is my BFF!  We go everywhere together!  It has perfect sized compartments inside so I can always find my phone or keys which typically get buried in my other purses. Regardless of what I'm wearing if I am carrying this I feel put together.  I used to switch out my purse almost daily but since finding this gem I don't ever stray.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 

Like what you see?  Find any of these items at these sources:

Boots:  Ecco

Sweater: Gap

Purse: Similar

I Can't Get Her Out of My Head

guest post by: Jenna Sherard 

Here’s the thing I thought I’d kicked the habit far away from me.  I thought I’d been on “the wagon” so to speak with my seat belt buckled securely.  But twenty four hours ago I realized I didn’t merely fall off the wagon. Actually, I dove off head first and on the way down I picked up my habit embracing it like my long lost best friend.  I hugged my old buddy “Worry” and invited her to “just like come live life with me”.  And she called me out from deep trust in my God, and told me to try my hand at controlling my own life.  She lured me to come waste my time with her and also, to jack up my new manicure while I’m with her, you know, just thinking.

The best part is that actually there are plenty of reasons to hang out with Worry. I can list them all for you, and after a double latte I can sing them, chant them and leave a 3 minute message on your voicemail frantically detailing each one. (Something tells me you aren’t going to be giving me your number anytime soon.)  Chances are, however, you have your own list of reasons scrolling like a newsfeed in your mind.  Chances are Worry is your annoying friend too. 

The worst part is that when I’m with Worry time just flies by, and I’m left feeling tired and lonely.  Last night I woke up from a fitful sleep, and quickly woke my husband up with my classic line, “Bobby I’m scared.”  He answered with his classic groggy, “Jen, all the doors are locked.  I’m sooo tired.” So naturally my mind raced to what might happen if all the doors weren’t locked, just say.  Or what if my baby Celia’s window was the only thing not locked and the scary imagined robber guy climbed on in.  What then people?  Suddenly, every speck of noise on the baby monitor was all threat level 3am. 

But the sun mercifully rose on our house this morning revealing it was just as safe as ever.  I, however, didn’t kick Worry out just yet, but instead made her very strong coffee and joined her for a cup.  Now amped up on caffeine we tackled the day together, without much peace or progress.  We made everything a big deal from the laundry (as in didn’t do it, just thought about it)  to being a great mom to sending work emails.  And it wasn’t until the last twenty minutes of Celia’s nap this afternoon that I finally sent Worry packing (Note: I always picture her as this perfect looking version of myself which I don’t have the time or energy to create.  She also always has bigger boobs than I do in real life.  What’s up with that?).   At last, I knew she just had to go when I read this: “For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock.” Psalm 27:5

Here’s the thing:  God is God today on a pretty, regular day and God is God in the day of trouble.  He is the same.  Every day, every time, and he is the most secure friend I could have.  He will keep me safe in his dwelling, and I’m under his shelter.  I want to live there.  I want my time to be spent there. In his shelter there is rest, life and peace.  Right now, I want to lock the doors so Worry can’t hang out with me anymore.  I’m blocking her and defriending her and old school dissing her.  And Heaven help her if she tries to get in my house through my baby’s nursery window.  

 

Jenna Sherard lives in North Carolina with her husband and little girl.  

She seeks truth, fun and good coffee on a daily basis. 

                  

A Day in My Life

A Day in Erin's Life (Thursday)


Most of my friends have the life I thought I always wanted. Though I long to be married, God made me adventurous and spontaneous and I enjoy the freedom to live that out most days. I love spending my days exploring my God-given interests and how I can be a redemptive part of society in how I live, work and play. I work for an entrepreneur and have the flexibility to create my schedule from day to day.  My days are never the same and as long as I’m fulfilling my responsibilities, I’m allowed to shape them however I deem best. There is no typical day, but here is one of them for you to see!

6:00AM: The alarm awakens me. I hate that sound. I’ll never like it and I set it a few minutes early so I can hit snooze once (maybe twice :)) and get the gumption to get out of bed to face the day.

6:30AM: Get a shower and get ready for the day! You might be thinking, hot rollers?! Yes. I love to curl my hair and, if time permits, I like to take my time getting ready. I usually listen to music to prepare my heart and gather my thoughts, but today I am traveling with Angela so we chat instead. Angela is my boss and owner of the company I work with, TBL Leadership Partners.

8:00AM: I leave the LaQuinta Suites in Cary, North Carolina and head to Starbucks. I am in meetings today, so I run over to grab coffee for everyone. I love the turkey bacon, egg-white and cheddar breakfast sandwich there too. I pick up one of those for myself as a small treat for breakfast.

9:00AM: I begin work meetings until lunch, but not without a delightful treat from a colleague, Krispy Kreme doughnuts! Steven (left) lives in China and Allan, in the Pacific Northwest. They have never experienced Krispy Kreme. Of course, no Krispy Kreme experience is complete without a hat. 

3:30PM: Meetings are over and all of the problems of the world were solved. Not so much, but we moved forward in the process at least. We worked through lunch to afford us the luxury to head out early. I am headed back to Charlotte and ready to sleep in my own bed after traveling for three days.

7:00PM: In addition to my work with TBL Leadership Partners, I am also enrolled in seminary at Reformed Theological Seminary in Charlotte. Much of my time outside of work is spent reading gems like the one pictured below. Many nights I snuggle up with some peppermint tea and catch up on my reading. 

A Day in My Life

A Day in Laura’s Life (Tuesday)

6:45 Wake up, get little man fed, dressed and ready for school. Get myself into yoga pants for that "I've just come from (OR I am headed to) the gym look". I am really not, just like being comfy. 

7:15 Leave house to drive little man to school (while consuming large amounts of coffee in my favorite to-go mug that I bought at Starbucks in Moscow)

7:30 Drop little man at school, head back home to pic up Hubby

8:45 Hubby and I head to “our” new house (under contract, but haven’t closed yet) to meet his Dad who is doing our inspection. Also, Kelly met us there to help me think through fun things like paint colors and DIY projects. This pic is my sweet vintage, retro, antique (aka old) oven, but I actually kinda like it!

10:30 Pick up little man from school, come back to house so he can see it (for the first time).

11:00 Take little man home for lunch and nap.

11:30-12 Get a little time to myself, reading the Word and eating chocolate chips! In the middle of a Bible reading plan that has you read a section from the Old Testament, Psalms, New Testament- Gospels and Paul’s letters.

12-1 Get some house stuff done- laundry, grocery list making, and clipping coupons

1:30-2:30 Little man wakes up and we play a little, he gets to watch a show (Mr. Rogers is the favorite recently)

3:15-4:30 Grocery shopping, including a little stop by the ice cream case. This is literally the best ice cream ever! I didn’t buy any today, but it’s seriously my all time favorite. Run, don’t walk to the store and get some!

4:45 Pick up Hubby from work at his office. This was the sky on the way there.

5:30-6 Cooking and eating dinner- We had baked chicken, Annie’s mac and cheese, and watermelon. (Sorry, didn’t get a pic, but it was yummy!)

6:30-7 Getting little man ready for bed, reading books, singing songs, answering a million questions, bedtime!

7:30-10:30 Hubby had a meeting about church business; I snuggled in with a redbox movie and some favorite valentine’s candy.

10:30-11:30 Hubby home, we hung out and then were both probably asleep before our heads hit the pillow (we usually try to get in bed earlier, but this night was different because he had his meeting). This pic was from earlier in the day, but is an accurate depiction of how I often feel at the end of the day.