Bearing Fruit

on gratitude

2012-03-02T04:00:00.000-08:00

If I stare at it long enough, it grows in front of my eyes. I want to plants seeds of gratitude today and watch them grow. A grateful heart seeks to share itself. I want to give more and take less. I want to be in the overflow, so much so, that I can't help but spill love out on everyone I meet. Even the cashier at the grocery store and the angry guy in line at the DMV. I want to be love. Instead of focusing on what I don't have, I am focusing on all I do. Today I am grateful for

my warm bed

waking up to sunshine

going to bed with a full tummy

having clean clothes to wear

gas in my car

that I even have a car

a warm shower and all the soap I can use

a fluffy towel

a hot cup of tea

What are you grateful for today? Please share links to a blog post, your twitter or your facebook. Spread the love. Let's start a gratitude revolution.

making friends online

2012-03-01T04:00:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite things about blogging is the community we are creating. I simply adore that many of you take a moment to share a comment. As for answering, I have gone back and forth between e-mailing you directly or commenting back here on the blog. This post from Hayley at the Tiny Twig got me thinking about how I handle comments.

I don't just write for me.

I write for you.

I blog for us.

If you'd like to leave a comment, just click the green link below the post that says xx comments (xx is the number of comments that have been already left on that post.) A new page will open up for you to leave your comment.

I want to reply when needed, to offer kind words or suggestions. I also want everyone to feel included. Feel free to join in the discussion. You just might have a great answer to someone's question. You can reply directly to that person by clicking the word reply below their comment. If you are waiting to hear back about a question you have, please check back.

Maybe you've been reading here for a while, or maybe you are new. Either way, I want you to feel included. Stop by here and say hi. Introduce yourself and feel free to leave a link to your blog, your facebook or your twitter. Let's all make some new friends online!

happy new friendships!

andee

image source: marie francesca x on tumbler from shining like firework via fairy candles via andee eve on pinterest

social media bonanza-blissdom 2012

2012-02-29T13:10:00.000-08:00

Blissdom 2012 was a whirlwind of fun and excitement. It was way better than I expected. Somewhere into the first few hours, I said a little prayer, asking God what He wanted me to get out of the weekend. I used to work in public relations and I know myself. I can easily fall into one big giant schmooze and lose the heart of it all.

I prayed.
He said just have fun.
Meet new friends.
And show them My love.

So I did. I relaxed and had fun. I met a ton of amazing women. Way too many to list here. To you remarkable women, I say thank you. Thank you for being so open and kind. Thank you for being accepting and friendly. My heart is filled to the brim with your love and your laughter. I attended some fabulous workshops about business and about writing. Special thanks to Tsh and Jeff for your great talks.

On the last night, I broke out and got up on stage with some of my girls and danced to a crew singing karaoke to Sir Mix-A-Lot's "I Like Big Butts." The same night, my roomies and I were laughing so hard that I even tinkled in my panties.

Meeting bloggers in real life is a treat. We share the same heart. We all want to reach others with our words. We got together to inspire one another and to build community around our passion. Thank you Blissdom for making my dreams come true.

photos above Paula, Ali and Barbara, the Blissdom team, me and Emily from Live Renewed, me with roomies Nicole from As Many as Given and Leigh from Funky Faith Girl, with Beth Anne from Heir to Blair, Diana from Hormonal Imbalances, me and Carrie from Caroline G, opening keynote, Jon Acuff

why do we blog?

2012-02-28T11:30:00.001-08:00

I have some wonderful blog friends. This month I asked a few of my sponsors to share why they blog. We all come to blogging for different reasons. I'd like to introduce you to three amazing women and let them share a bit of their story.

Jen, The Arizona Russums

Blogging has been quite the adventure for me. I started a blog when I moved to Arizona with my husband two days after returning from our honeymoon. Over the course of our first year in the desert, I fell in love with blogging. Not only was it a space where I could escape the demands of grad school and write for fun every now and then, but I also became intrigued by the way women write online, interact with each other through blogging, run handmade shops, etc. etc. Long story short, I just switched my PhD program from literature to rhetoric and will now be writing my dissertation about mommy bloggers!

Blog // Facebook // Twitter // Bloglovin

Laura, Along for the Ride

For me, the best part of blogging is two-fold. I have always loved writing! I have a degree in journalism, and since I'm obviously not using my degree anymore, blogging has been such a great way to share my stories and continue fostering my love of writing. My second favorite part of blogging is the community! I love interacting with others, learning their stories, and being as encouraging as possible!

Blog // Shop // Twitter // Facebook

Gentri, Gentri Lee

To me, blogging is a part of who I am. I started my blog a few years ago but didn't really get into it until last year. It has helped me not only become a better, more well rounded person, but it has helped me through some really tough times. My favorite part about blogging would be the friendships. I have made some incredible friends through blogging and I love how all it takes is one little comment and you've instantly made a new bff! Blogging came at a time in my life when I needed it most. I've been incredibly blessed through blogging and am completely in love with it. haha!

Blog // Facebook // Bloglovin // Google+

Hearing from Jen, Laura and Gentri got me thinking about blogging. And I'd love to open up this question to my community. Whether you have a blog, or simply love reading them, what do you love about blogging? Feel free to share links to your space on the web, your blog, your facebook or your twitter. I also just posted this on my face book page here. Feel free to add your links there too. Let's all meet some new friends!

happy blog friends!

andee

blissdom 2012

2012-02-27T04:00:00.000-08:00

yipppeee

i'm home!

i had a spectacular time at blissdom

and as soon as i catch my breath

i'll be sharing all about it!

stay tuned...

andee

image source: marie francesca x via life with peace-love via vintage dreamcatchers via andeeeve on pinterest

gratitude sunday

2012-02-26T04:00:00.001-08:00

oh the places you'll go...

2012-02-25T04:00:00.000-08:00

hop up and go for a ride

let your dreams take you there

you know where

the place you want to be

the place you've never been

consider this your permission slip

signed

sealed

and

delivered

all it takes is the courage to believe

even

if you don't believe you can

believe

that

i believe

you can

may your day be filled with possibility!

andee

image source: marie francesca x via we heart it via vintage daisy via andeeeve on pinterest

finding your bliss

2012-02-24T04:00:00.000-08:00

i started asking recently,

God, what do You want me to do?

because I know that I have all sorts of great ideas.

fun

creative

money making

exciting

ideas

truth is,

if it isn't where i'm supposed to be

than

it isn't where i'm supposed to be

so i sat

i asked

and i listened

He told me to write

so i'm writing

every day

what i found

is that i am exactly where i'm supposed to be

writing

what about you?

have you found your bliss?

ask and it will be given to you

seek and you shall find

knock and it will be opened to you

{Matthew 7:7}

seeking bliss,

andee

image source: durham township via andeeeve on pinterest

blissdom bound

2012-02-23T04:00:00.000-08:00

i'm headed off to blissdom today!

i can't wait meet my roomies

leigh, nicole and, rhonda

i am so excited for

all the amazing speakers

the fun

the laughs

and simply gettin' my bliss on!

i've set up a few posts in advance that will go up while i'm gone

if you want to follow the action, be sure to visit me on twitter

i just know i'll be tweeting up a storm while i'm there

i'll be posting all about blissdom as soon as i get home and catch my breath

nashville, here i come

excited!

andee

image source: ginger-ella via thinlizzy via andeeeve on pinterest

cute and comfy outfits

2012-02-22T04:00:00.000-08:00

this past week was all about being comfy and not taking myself too seriously

it's only clothes, right?

thursday

{celebrating mom's b day in san clemente}

sweater- forever 21

t shirt- forever 21

scarf- cost plus world market

skinnies- forever 21

tom's- nordstroms

style tip: i was trying to decide which shoes to wear

the short brown suede uggs or the tom's

i put them both on

the tom's gave me a more streamlined look

i like streamlining-it's slimming

sign me up for slimming, thanks

sunday

{church}

black james perse dress- loehmann's

black sweater- max studio outlet

leggings- american apparel

motorcycle boots- thrifted

necklace- h&m

earrings- forever 21

style tip:

i wanted to add punch to an otherwise all black ensemble

enter the polka dot leggings peeking from below the dress

these leggings don't take themselves too seriously

neither do i

have fun and don't take yourself too seriously!

monday

{date night]

jeans- forever 21

t shirt- forever 21

lucky brand sheepskin jacket- thrifted

{still had the tags on it-brand new, score!}

scarf- cost plus world market

tom's shoes- nordstroms

style tip:

sometimes ya just gotta be cozy + comfy

every time i wear this jacket i feel snuggly

i was in the mood to wear my pj's out to dinner

since i didn't want to put the nice people at the restaurant through that torture

i opted for the cozy jacket and scarf

go for comfort and wear what feels good!

happy fun outfits!

andee

linking here, here

and here:

fertility journey and choosing faith

2012-02-21T04:00:00.000-08:00

a painting i did a while back

It's the day after Valentine's day and I know that hiding under the covers won't bring any more peace, but somehow, the idea of escaping the day is more appealing than facing it. I stay. An hour or so goes by until I unpeel myself from the protection of down and darkness. I wash my face. He comes into the bathroom and just holds me. Long and sweet. I cry on his shoulder and ask if we can just sit for a moment. "After I brush my teeth," he says. I wait to put on my contacts. Crying only makes them fog up and trying to look through foggy eyes is more annoying than wearing glasses.

On the couch I just start crying. I still trust God, and yet I am so sad. So disappointed. I just need to let it out. Patient, listening, he just holds me. Says he's open to ideas of adoption. It's been a year and a half on this ride. Most days, I'm full of faith. Today, one day after a red spot, my heart sinks. We hold hands and pray, asking the Lord for what to do next. All I hear is "Trust Me and wait. Trust and wait." Ironically, or maybe not so ironically, we are sitting below a painting with the word 'trust' on the giant canvas.

I'm reaching deep into my heart for the place that I keep my trust. Its harder to find today, but it's there. I open my journal; write to God. And then He speaks to me from the pages of scripture.

"Sing O barren, you who have not borne! Break forth into singing and cry aloud, you who have not labored with child. For more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married woman," says the LORD. {Isaiah 54:1}

I read the notes in my study Bible and they tell me that "to sing in the face of such a state would be a cruel act, were it not for the power of song. Isaiah's word is to deal with the barrenness through worship, to enthrone God in song in order to release His miraculous provision."

I'm beginning to find the place where trust resides. As I'm looking, next to it, I find hope. My study Bible refers me to the notes at Psalm 22:3.

"Few principles are more essential to our understanding than this one: the presence of God's kingdom power is directly related to the practice of God's praise. The verb 'enthroned' indicates that wherever God's people exalt His name, He is ready to manifest His kingdom's power in the way most appropriate to the situation, as His rule is invited to invade our setting...We do not manipulate God, but align ourselves with the great kingdom truth: His is the power, ours is the privilege (and responsibility) to welcome Him into our world--our private, present world, or the circumstances of society." {underlines, theirs}

Hope and Trust, move over, Faith is entering the room. I remember. Worship is warfare. He inhabits the praises of His people. Those who are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. I have a choice here. Where do I want to live? I choose Hope. I do not deny my sadness. But I make a choice for Faith. It's a date. Tonight we will sit on our little grey couch and worship. Better is one day in Your courts than a thousand elsewhere.

Andee

linking here

street art los angeles part two

2012-02-20T04:00:00.000-08:00

i simply can't get enough of it

street art is pretty awesome

especially when it comes with a girly twist

i've always loved becca's work

i snapped this when we were out and about

i love that we live in a secluded little town

yet 'round the corner awaits

exciting

urban

landscape

happy day!

andee

grattitude sunday

2012-02-19T04:00:00.000-08:00

feed on His faithfulness

i recall who i was

i recall where i used to be

a dark life lived

in dark places

fear

shame

anxiety

were my constant companions

out of the darkness

i have reached the light

love

hope

joy

i am living my destiny

God is so good

i gave Him my mess

and He gave me His hope

if that ain't faithfulness

i dunno what is

happy sunday

andee

painted mason jars

2012-02-18T04:00:00.000-08:00

bright yellow

it makes my heart sing

happy saturday!

may your day be full of sunshine and love

andee

image source: oh lovely day via andeeeve on pinterest

spice station

2012-02-17T04:05:00.000-08:00

a few weeks ago

we had family visiting

{brother-in-law, pierce + sister-in-law lindsey }

and we adventured 'round town

one of our fave places to hit up is the spice station in silverlake

i just can't get enough of this place

they have the best, freshest spices

and not even expensive at all

{yes, you know me, ever the frugal one}

many are cheaper even than at the grocery store

one wall is lined with giant jars of spices

and then there's little jars on shorter shelves

ones that you can pick up + smell

ummmm....

lindsey and pierce

aren't they just the cutest couple?

love them!

{and not just because they're family!}

they even have some herbal teas

and you know how i love me some tea!

mr. handsome + bro pierce

me + lindsey

such a perfect day

fun family visits!

fertility journey continues

2012-02-16T04:00:00.000-08:00

I look down and see a hint of red. I feel the tears welling up inside of me. Why oh why? "It's not fair!" I want to scream. It's been forever. A year and a half. And every month I look down and see that little spot of red. But this month was supposed to be different. This month I was supposed to see two lines on a stick, not a spot of red.

What do you do when your dreams are dashed? What do you do when the one and only thing you feel you were made for isn't coming your way? I have to talk about it at dinner. I can't ignore it even though it's Valentine's day. I want to but I can't. I talk with my husband. We tear up together.

We eat our roasted beet salad, and I ponder the options. Medical intervention. Adoption. He doesn't want to talk about it all just yet. It keeps his faith up to hold out on those conversations. I tell him it gives me peace to know what the next step might be.

The smallest hint of dill flavors our salad. This is the restaurant where we went on our first date. It's where we celebrated our engagement. It's our special place. Conversation shifts to his day at the hospital. I remember realities that others face in this world. My thoughts drift to the family who was there for their infant son. He didn't make it.

Gratitude fills my heart, nudging for room against despair. For the moment, gratitude wins.

image source: such pretty things via andeeeve on pinterest

linking to just write and also linking here

same jeans, different looks

2012-02-15T04:00:00.000-08:00

it wasn't till i put tis post together that i realized

just

how

much

i wear the same pair of jeans

do you ever do that?

here's a week of {mostly} the same jeans...but all different looks

wednesday

{work from home}

top- target

jeans- forever 21

double strand necklace- forever 21

flats- off broadway shoe warehouse

style tip:

combine rough + tumble jeans with soft feminine blouse.

I love this bohemian blouse

whenever i wear it i feel so pretty

always goin' for contrast...

but i love wearing it with my torn jeans

have fun with your style- mix it up for a look that is uniquely you

thursday

{work from home}

t shirt- forever 21

tank under t- h&m

jeans- forever 21

necklace-h&m

earrings- forever 21

fabric flower hair band- gift from mr. handsome

flats- off broadway shoe warehouse

style tip:

all black is always elegant, even with jeans.

i mixed up the look with bold accessories.

the necklace really breaks up what could otherwise be

just the blah of the all black t shirt

go bold with accessories!

saturday

{marriage encounter @ church}

vintage pendelton- local vintage shop

i looked far and wide for a vintage 1940s pendelton

in colors other than red + black

i went simply ga ga over this blue + grey number

mr. handsome said i looked like i love lucy in it

i took that as a compliment

the rest of the outfit is below

under the fab blue pendelton, i wore:

black button up top-penguin from loehmann's

tank underneath- h&m

black sweater- max studio outlet

shoes- urban

style tip:

go vintage without looking costumey

mix up old and new,

try wearing only one or two vintage pieces with some modern items

explore vintage fun!

sunday

{church}

t shirt- forever 21

tunic under t- american apparel

sweater- max studio outlet

skinnies- forever 21

necklace- local boutique

shoes- urban

hair band- hephzi creations

remember that great bracelet i wore last week?

the one that looks all vintage-ey?

guess what? it's convertible!

and on sunday i wore it as a headband!

here it is upclose

i just love it because it looks like a combo of a hair band and a tiara

and you know how i love a good tiara!

my good friend angela makes these amazing hephzi creations bracelet/headbands

and she's promised that she'd do a giveaway of one of her gorgeous pieces here

so stay tuned for that...

style tip:

find one outstanding accessory and work it

in this case it's my fab tiara

{what the heck, i'm calling it a tiara!}

i paired this unique piece with all black so it would really stand out

i find that a subdued palette of all black or all white

is the perfect backdrop for one standout piece

what are you wearing this week?

any favorite outfits?

happy fun fashion!

linking here

and here:

our love story

2012-02-14T09:00:00.000-08:00

Mr. Handsome and I on a date early in our courtship

our love story, the prequel part one here

our love story, the prequel part two here

When we last left off from the prequel to our sweet little love story, I mentioned the Lord was teaching me my true value and worth. Oh God did a work in me! He taught me who I was in His eyes, first and foremost. And I can confidently say that today, I believe Him.

I am fearfully and wonderfully made!

{Psalm 139:14}

So from February 2009 until May 2009, the Lord really worked on me from the inside out, teaching me this reality. He strengthened me and built me up. At the time I had no idea that all the while this was preparing me for Mr. Handsome.

But where in the heck in a big city like Los Angeles was I going to meet a good solid Christian man?-a man who not only had heard of God but actually lived for Him? I told you in the prequel {here and here} about the other two brief relationships I had. I met those guys from online dating services. One of them was a free Christian dating site, and the other was a non-Christian site but one I paid for. Now I am so not dissing other dating sites at all; I am only telling you how it all worked for me.

Well I was done. I tried to do the online dating thing, and it wasn't working. About this time, my friend Ily was preparing for her wedding. She met her husband on eHarmony. I was all excited to be involved in the planning and preparations with Ily as one of her bridesmaids. We had so much fun looking at dresses, pouring over the bridal magazines, and just plain celebrating the beginning of her new life as a Mrs.

Ily's bachelorette- bridal celebrations in Palm Springs, that's Ily in the center, I'm just to her right.

{surrounded by other bridesmaids and friends}

Part of our celebrations included a weekend getaway to Palm Springs for Ily's bachelorette. I'll never forget a certain conversation I had with fellow bridesmaid, Nicole, as we were walking to the car. You know when you have certain conversations that really stick out in your life? Like the ones that make a lasting change, the ones that are like a marker of sorts? Well this was one of those conversations.

Nicole says to me, "You know, you're next." {meaning I'm next to get married} Then she says, "You gotta get back to online dating." So I did. That was in March of 2009. I knew it was time to buckle up and dive back in. So I went on eHarmony.

In April I met a guy who seemed nice, but the truth is all the guys I met on eHarmony were nice guys. I was hoping to find someone who was nice and with whom I had chemistry. On May 30, 2009, this nice guy and I went on our first date. Right then I felt a tug from the Lord that this is the one I had prayed for.

"Really, Lord? Already?"

Delight yourself also in the Lord and He shall give you the desires of your heart.

{Psalm 37:4}

But I wasn't one to simply go on the tug I felt. I knew if the Lord had chosen this man for me, I would not only feel that tug, but I would know in the way he treated me, the way he talked, the way he carried himself, and so much more. And as we dated I got to find out about him.

What was great with meeting him on eHarmony was that I already knew so much about him. While we certainly liked each other's looks, we were matched according to our personalities. Since I knew we saw many essentials the same way, I felt we had the true foundation of friendship before we even really met.

But the proof was in the pudding, as they say. We had the best time on our dates. We laughed so much. We had tons in common. On our second date we actually got accidentally locked in a park because we were talking and talking and lost track of time. We had to climb over a wall to get out of that park. ha.

So we continued dating each other.

We were both dedicated to seeing if this was a relationship God would have for us to move toward marriage. We began an official courtship. I felt led we should not kiss on the lips. Now this was a whopper! But I knew if I was planning to save sex for marriage, that the only way I was gonna be able to hang onto that was to not even enter the make-out world {and believe me, I wanted to make out with this guy!}

I thought he would totally blow me off when I told him. To my great surprise, he was totally cool with it; this was a man of integrity. We were committed to saving our first kiss on the lips for our wedding day. At the time though, I had no idea if I ever would have that first kiss with this guy.

Celebrating our engagement, could we possibly smile any bigger?

But I soon found out. In February 2010, he got down on one knee on my doorstep and asked me to be his wife. I didn't even cry. I actually laughed because I was so happy. Here he was, a real man, a man of integrity, a man I could trust. And he's on one knee with a gorgeous ring, asking me if I would do him the honor of becoming his wife.

Talk about worth the wait!

And on May 29, 2010 we tied the knot. Yippeee!

We took all our wedding pictures after the vows because we wanted to be able to kiss in them! Our wedding pix are so super special to me because they capture our first moments of really being close.

And we have begun an awesome life together. We continually marvel at how much we have in common. We seriously say, "Thanks eHarmony," all the time! We have a great deal of ease, and I really think it's because of our personality profiles being so well matched. We had basically no adjustment in moving in together or living together after the wedding. Even in those silly-but-not-so-silly-things, like putting the cap back on the toothpaste. We are really well matched in all areas.

The very best part is how much we laugh together. I've said it before, but this awesome man, my Mr. Handsome, fills my life with such love and laughter. And I am so blessed to be his wife. Boy am I glad Nicole pushed me back into online dating!

Guess what? I've also got a super fab giveaway for you!

Yippeee

Enter to win a $100 VISA gift card.

Here's all ya gotta do:

To be entered for a chance to win just leave me a comment telling me the most important trait you look for in a significant other and why.

Rules:

No duplicate comments.

You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post

b) Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post

c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post

d)For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older.

Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail.

You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected

The Official Rules are available here.

The sweepstakes runs from 2/14/12 - 3/15/12.

Visit the BlogHer.com eHarmony page to check out more blogger success stories and for more chances to win!

love letter

2012-02-10T04:00:00.000-08:00

with all of the fun of valentine's day bubbling in the air,

i've been reminded recently of a love letter i found in the files where i used to work.

it's not the usual love letter

you see

its a love letter

from God

and i believe that if you are reading this,

than He's written it

just

for

you

My beloved daughter,

I have searched you and I know you. I know when you sit and when you rise.

I hear your thoughts from afar. I am a shield around you.

I bestow glory on you and lift up your head. I am with you; I am mighty to save.

I take great delight in you. I will quiet you with my love. I rejoice over you with singing.

I guide you with My counsel, and afterward I will take you into My glory.

Your flesh and heart may fail, but I am the strength of your heart and your portion forever.

I take great delight in you.

As a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so I will rejoice over you.

You will be called Holy,

the redeemed of the LORD;

you will be called Sought After.

Listen My daughter,

Forget everyone else. I am enthralled by your beauty;

honor me, for I am LORD.

Your beauty does not come from outward things like braided hair or jewelry or fine clothes.

Instead it is your inner self,

which is of great worth in My sight.

I showed you My love with this: while you were still a sinner,

My son died for you.

Many are the plans of your heart, but it is My purpose that prevails.

There is a time to weep, a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.

All of your present sufferings are not worth comparing to the glory that I will reveal in you.

So love others deeply, from the heart.

Be joyful always;

pray continually;

give thanksin all circumstances,

for this is My will for you.

No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind can conceive

what I have prepared for you who love Me.

So fix your eyes not on what is see but what is unseen.

I love you,

God

image sources:

a. style me pretty via andeeeve on pinterest

b. lilly tyll on etsy via andeeeve on pinterest

linking here:

shabby chic gift wrap

2012-02-09T04:00:00.000-08:00

okay, so i admit it

i have a soft spot in my heart for cute wrapping

and i just love wrapping the good old fashioned way

in boxes

with wrapping paper

i wrapped these presents in plain white paper

tied three strands of twine 'round the box

and topped it off with a strand of fabric that i used for a ribbon

all i did was cut about 1 1/2 inch thick bit of fabric

in a long enough strand to wrap once around the package and tie it into a pretty bow

wanna know my favorite part?

the wrapping on the outside matched the baby shower gift that was on the inside!

sweet wrapping fun!

linking here and here:

new looks for t shirt and jeans

2012-02-08T07:50:00.000-08:00

welcome to my style file

where i share some outfits i've been wearing lately

and some style tips along with it

i love to share not just what i wore, but why

i was feeling kinda sassy this week, as you can see in the pictures.

i decided to get a little goofy and have fun with my 'poses'

and once again, i'm wearing jeans.

what would i do without jeans?

seriously.

but even though i wear 'em just about every day, i don't have to always look the same.

most of the time, i take a classic tshirt + jeans look and go for jazzing it up with accessories.

here's the latest...

thursday

{working from home, lunch with my friend sarah + WLI class}

sweater- max studio outlet

tshirt underneath- forever 21

long tunic underneath- american apparel

black skinnies- forever 21

flats- off broadway shoe warehouse

necklace- h&m

earrings- forever 21

style tip:

i knew i wanted to wear these skinny jeans

but I also knew i wanted to go to class and not be flashing the tight-jeans-on-the-booty look.

enter american apparel tunic. i have these in several colors, and i've even shouted their praises before.

they are just perfect to cover up said booty, but still wear a tshirt and jeans look.

i usually layer the same color t shirt and tunic for a more unified look.

saturday

{WLI class}

tshirt- forever 21

jeans- forever 21

sweater- max studio outlet

shoes- urban

necklace- local boutique

earrings- gift from mr. handsome

style tip:

go for one main color in accessories and keep it consistent.

i went for a silvery-metallic tone and did shoes, necklace and earrings all in that hue.

i didn't do the matchy-matchy with earrings + necklace, but i did match in tone.

and the silvery shoes sort of bring it all together.

fun metallics!

monday

{date night}

v neck t- forever 21

tank underneath- h&m

sweater- max studio outlet

jeans- forever 21

necklace- h&m

flats- off broadway shoe warehouse

bracelet- hephzi creations

style tip:

take an old sweater and make it new.

i have a ton of these old cardis that are waist length.

i am mostly into long sweaters these days, but i also like a cropped sweater over a longer tshirt.

enter old cardi, new way. i tied it at the ribcage so it gives the look of a cropped cardi.

{i did the same thing on saturday, see above}

i also went for a whimsical hair-do by wearing two little buns

à la princess leia from the 1970s star wars

who doesn't love a retro 'do, right?

and i wore my super fave new bracelet!

you can't really see it above.

here's a better picture:

my sweet friend angela makes them. isn't it gorgeous?

every little charm has a meaning.

angela even said i could offer one here on my blog as a giveaway

{stay tuned!}

happy fun outfits!

linking here:

feral cat

2012-02-07T04:00:00.000-08:00

on our journeys out + about

the same day i took a picture of the knitta-style yarnbombing

we came upon this great local band, feral cat

visiting la from san francisco

they're trying to raise enough money to put their music on itunes

i'm all about supporting artists.

we only stayed to hear one song

but i'm all about their indie feel and vibe

check 'em out

my very first vlog

2012-02-06T04:00:00.000-08:00

I seriously have to give a major shout out + thank you to Erin from Captivated by Grace

She's holding this awesome link party for vlogs called the girl behind the blog.

I never-and I mean never thought I would do a vlog.

I'm embarrassed to videotape myself.

I think I look -and sound- dorky.

{how bizarre is it to hear your own voice, right?}

But I got inspired. And I decided to embrace the challenge.
so here goes nuthin'...

I did it.

And ya wanna know the best part about it?

I actually liked it.

{although next time I won't video myself with that lamp growing from the middle of my head}

So here's to a whole new adventure for 2012...

linking up here:

happy vlogging!

the girl behind the blog

2012-02-04T14:50:00.000-08:00

join me for a vlog, won't you...

this monday, february 6th erin and ashley are hosting a vlog link up party.

and putting on my big girl shoes, i decided to join in.

what?

me, vlog?

i hate seeing myself on video.

ha.

i got inspired to go for somethin' new in 2012!

join us!

make a vlog

if i can figure out how to do it, anyone can.

more info here:

see you monday!

our love story, the prequel part 2

2012-02-03T04:00:00.000-08:00

on one of our early dates to the Huntington Library and Gardens

the prequel part one is here

So when we last left off with the prequel, I mentioned that I made two attempts with two different fellas before I met Mr. Handsome. As I mentioned in some of the inner healing posts {you can read them here and here} I made some big mistakes in my life before I gave myself to the Lord. Early on in my young adulthood I was promiscuous. Looking for love. In 2006 I got the conviction to honor the Lord with all of myself, including my body and I made a commitment to save sex for marriage.

Well that'll keep a lot of guys far away from you when you're dating. Evens some 'Christian' ones. But I am not here to judge. That's God's job. I'm here to love. And the way I love others is through the love I receive from Him. In turn, I love Him back and in doing that I just can't help but honor Him in every way I can. Including with my body.

Back to that saving sex for marriage thing. So I'm dating guy number one, we'll call him Frank. Frank says he's committed to this as well. That in his past he had been less than respectful of women, but he's committed to a change. He too wants to save sex for marriage. Or does he? Life is all about choices. A few short weeks into seeing him, he makes a different choice. {I'll spare you the details of how he made the choice, let's just say that his old flame entered in on the scene. 'nuff said.} So he chooses one path. I choose another, and I walk away.

A few months go by, and I meet another guy. I'll call him Robert. Robert and I are seeing each other for a few weeks and I start to like him. But as I mentioned in my inner healing posts, I came from quite a bit of a mess. And as I started to like this guy, I noticed that I was looking for my value and worth in Robert's eyes rather than in my true Love's eyes.

One morning in the car, I just cried out to Him,

"Lord, I want to see my self the way You see me!

Show me who I am to You!"

And this began another journey with the Lord. After only a few weeks into seeing one another, Robert ended it. And thank goodness I had been reaching out to learn who I was from my real Source.

He told me things like,

I am fearfully and wonderfully made

{Psalm 139:14}

Really? Me?

I am wonderfully made?

I would wonder this. I would ponder this. But I know that His word is true. The King of Kings said this about me. And He ain't lyin', I just needed to get my thoughts together with His thoughts.

And that of course came from renewing my mind.

do not be conformed to this world

but be transformed

by the renewing of your mind

{Romans 12:2}

Little by little He renewed my mind. And He'd tell me the most amazing things. He told me

that he had awesome plans for me

to prosper me and not to harm me,

to give me a hope and a future

{Jeremiah 29:11}

This was some stuff I needed to know. I mean really needed. Because up until this point, I had given my life to Jesus. But I didn't really know was I was because of Him. I hadn't really truly taken it in. Like really deeply in. Inside in the deepest of the deep places of my soul that He is my Daddy and He will create and do the very best for me. That He really, and I mean really-really loves me and wants me to prosper. I had to absorb this all. And He continued to renew my mind with what He thought of me.

The King is enthralled with my beauty

{Psalm 45:11}

Seriously? The King of Kings is enthralled with me? Little ole me? My beauty? But that's what He said. I needed not only to hear this, bit I needed to know it in my knower. Here I was, just getting over another silly relationship {if you can call it that.} And desperately trying to get my self-worth from Him and not from some silly guy. All my life before, I got my self worth from people, from stuff, from the stuff I had or the stuff I didn't have but thought if I had it then I'd really be somethin.' But I knew there was more. I came to Him. I cried out to Him to show me, and He told me such awesome things! He wooed me with His love.

My value is worth far more than rubies or pearls

{Proverbs 31:10}

Such were His declarations of love: true, real, lasting love. He would declare to me again and again how precious I am, just because I am.

My beauty wasn't from outward things like hairstyles or clothes, but from inner beauty, from my gentle quiet spirit which was precious in the sight of God.

{1 Peter 3:4}

I started to believe Him. I really am valuable. Precious. The apple of His eye. His daily delight. This little breakup with Robert was probably one of the best gifts ever. It caused me to cry out to Him. It brought me to know my real Love.

And it was right on time, because I was getting my prayers answered. I was being prepared for my husband. Robert and I stopped seeing each other in February. In the coming months I had a lot to get ready for. The Lord led. I followed. And He was leading me right to the moment when I would meet the man who one day would become my Mr. Handsome.

to be continued...

baby shower - burp cloths + blanket

2012-02-02T04:00:00.000-08:00

set of three burp cloths

oh how i love making these specialty baby items!

i feel so at peace now that i have made the 'official' switch to exclusively custom baby orders

here's the deal:

what means the most to me is to be able to create unique, one-of-a-kind items.

the thing that makes 'em so particularly special is that i pray over each item

lullaby baby blankie

{fabric on one side, minky on other}

so as i'm sewing,

i'm praying

lullaby baby blankie

i pray for mama, papa and baby by name

{if the baby has a name yet}

i also pray for any specific issues that may be happening

in their lives or for the pregnancy + birth.

this way, babies are truly covered in a blanket of prayer

lullaby baby blankie

i made this lovely set for my dear friend and mama-to-be,

sandra who is expecting her first in only a few weeks!

sandra's style is elegant and hip so i went for a shabby chic style fabric

i love the blue and faded brown fleur de lis pattern

the burp cloths were done to coordinate

one even has the sweetest curly script that says things like

"rock a bye baby"

and

"sweet dreams"

even though it's clearly for a baby

it's elegant and sophisticated at the same time.

here's sandra

doesn't she look amazing?

baby mateo, is affectionately referred to as cupcake

{i made the sign for the shower too}

i wanted it to look like a kid wrote it.

sweet happy baby shower!

p.s. if you are interested a custom baby item, please visit my shop for details

or simply e-mail me directly to place an order:

andee{dot}eve{at}gmail{dot}com

linking here

fun ways to wear jeans

2012-02-01T00:00:00.000-08:00

so many ways to wear jeans!

whether it's the corduroy jeans,

the skinnies,

or even the old skool rockabilly style 501s

bring on the five pocket classic is what i'm sayin'!

here's what i was stylin' last week

tuesday

{work from home + errands}

tshirt- forever 21

corduroy jeans- heritage 1981

cropped sweater- forever 21

flats- off broadway shoe warehouse

double strand necklace- forever 21

earrings- gift from mr. handsome

style tip:

i am a fan of wearing one shade, or mostly one color. here i decided to pair the beige cords with the beige cropped sweater. i went for a white t shirt to break it up so it didn't look like a uniform.

imagine that in dark brown, hello ups man. no thanks.

so yeah, i broke it up with a white t.

the white t shirt is still in the same color tonal range as the beige so it has that same color vibe.

there's something so elegant about beige and carmel tones. i'm all about subtle elegance.

wednesday

{work from home}

flower print sweater- forever 21

tshirt- forever 21

jeans- levi's outlet store

flats- off broadway shoe warehouse

pearl cluster earrings- forever 21

style tip:

i decided to resurrect the old rockabilly look this week. for years and years i used to be a dedicated 1950s-only girl. seriously, vintage 1950s {and some 40s} was all i'd wear. the only modern thing i'd wear was undies! ha. i still have it bad for the music, the cars, the look. i was seriously born in the wrong era. well actually no, i take that back. who am i to question God? i was born at exactly the right time in exactly the right place to do what He'll have me do here. but i sure do love them old styles!

anyhow, i pulled out the 501s and decided to go for the whole look. i didn't do all vintage, but rather a vintage-style look. the forever 21 sweater is vintage-ey, as are the pearl cluster earrings.

and of course, ya gotta love those widely cuffed 501s.

thursday

{work from home and first nite of conference}

tshirt- forever 21

tank under t {to cover plunging v neck}- h&m

longer tunic under t- american apparel

skinnies- forever 21

flats- urban

double strand necklace- forever 21

earrings- gift from mr. handsome

style tip:

can i get real with you? sometimes i just don't want to flash my booty.

but i don't always have a long enough top to wear to cover up said booty-ness.

enter the american apparel tunic. i have 'em in a ton of colors.

they are great to wear underneath a t shirt or top,

especially with skinnies which are rather tight.

i usually wear the same color tunic as the over-shirt.

it gives a more unified silhouette and doesn't accentuate my hips with a giant stripe of another color.

i'm not into accentuating the largest part of me, thanks.

friday

{day two of conference}

tunic dress worn as top-forever 21

sweater- max studio outlet

skinnies- forever 21

beat up motorcycle boots- thrifted

hairband-gift from mr. handsome

style tip:

for day two of the conference it was all about comfort, so i opted for the stretchy skinnies.

i went for an all black look{slimming and elegant at the same time}

and you know how i love slimming.

then to break it up, i put on the grey sweater and topped it off with a grey + black hair band.

the motorcycle boots add a touch of funky to an otherwise elegant outfit.

i love to mix the elegant and the funky. it creates a unique look.

people are paying big bucks now for designer boots that look old. ha. these are the real deal.

sunday

{last day of conference}

polka dot top- forever 21

sweater- max studio outlet

501s- levi's outlet

motorcycle boots- thrifted

i rolled old skool twice this past week. it was fun to resurrect the rockabilly style.

again i went for a vintage style, rather than full-on vintage.

i love to mix two different looks in one.

gives it some flava.

so for this i went with contrast of masculine and feminine.

i paired the polka dot top {feminine} with the jeans and boots {masculine}

i had on the pearl cluster earrings, but i took 'em off by the end of the day

sometimes at the end of the day i just can't take my earrings anymore!

what fun things have you been wearing?

happy fun outfits!

linking here:

my memories winner!

2012-01-31T20:00:00.000-08:00

congratulations Kristen, aka 'whiskey tango foxtrot'!

you won the my memories software!

and if you didn't win, but you still want some of the cute embellishments for your blog, i can still hook you up with a discount on some great my memories bling.

and it's super duper easy to use!

$10 off your purchase of the MyMemories software,

and

a coupon for $10 off for digital downloads

$20 off total

just copy and paste this code with your purchase:

STMMMS78372

so this way everyone wins.

i like that.

yay giveaway!

street art in los angeles

2012-01-31T04:00:00.000-08:00

i'm a huge fan of street art,

always have been.

a week or so ago, we were out and about and we came across this little bit.

i simply had to share.

what's better than street art?

street art with a girlie twist.

yay!

i found this little bit of crocheted loveliness on sunset boulevard in the ever so hipster area of silverlake.

{it's right down the street from where we go to the farmer's market}

these little babies were crocheted on to a post in front of a shop.

they are on one of those posts where bikes park

what do you call those posts anyway?

bike parking post?

hmm...

anyhow,

i did a little research on this form of street art, now called yarnbombing

i found out some cool facts

it all started in 2005 with a group called

knitta

they began the knit graffiti craze.

the only continuing member of the original group is magda sayeg

you can check out her blog here

i also found another blog dedicated to yarnbombing throughout the world.

visit the blog here

probably my favorite thing about where we live is that it is a treasure trove of fun and excitement.

i never know what we are gonna stumble upon.

adventures in los angeles!

fun!

happy girlie street art!

sweet sponsors

2012-01-30T04:00:00.000-08:00

i'm so blessed to have some of the sweetest sponsors around!

without further ado, I'd like to introduce you to some lovely ladies...

I'm Mindy, the girl behind MarigoldRoad.com. I'm a family gal, but in my spare time I write to inspire women as they nurture their self worth. I get a kick out of presenting my motherhood journey in real and applicable ways, whilst including baking/craftiness for the visually intrigued. My Etsy shop offers handmade wool felt headbands, hoop art, yarn wreaths, and jewelry. You can also shop there for kitschy mid-century vintage decor & housewares.

Blog//Shop//Facebook//Twitter//Pinterest

Hi y'all! I'm Jen and I blog over at The Arizona Russums. On my blog you will find bits about my faith, my marriage, my grad school research, and our adventures since moving to Arizona. Mainly, I hope my blog is a place where women are encouraged to love Jesus more deeply.

Blog // Twitter // Facebook

My name is Erin and I blog over at Captivated By Grace.

I am a twenty-something girl with a passion for life, love, and above all, my faith in Christ.

I enjoy all things beautiful in this world and look for God's blessings all around me.

On my blog, I love to share the joys and beauty that can be found in this world, as well as the times that are not as beautiful and can be a bit more challenging. Let's face it...life is full of ups and downs. We just need to remember that God is with us through them all. There is nothing too big for us to handle together.

Blog//Twitter//Bloglovin'

"Hey, I'm Dana! I blog over at Wonder Forest and create retro inspired plushand home products under the same name! I am a designer/artist in 'real'life and love a good DIY project, shopping online, and believe in beingcreative every day! Stop by and say hi!"
Blog//Twitter//Facebook//Shop//Pinterest

My name is Gentri and I blog at Gentri Lee. I love posting about life and all of it's adventures including fashion, food, crafts/ DIY's, and inspirations. I'd love for you to pop over and say hi!

Blog//Facebook//Bloglovin'

Hey there! I'm Ashley and I bake & blog over at Sugar Mama Bakeshop.

My favorite product in my shop right now is the DIY Cupcakes for Two kit!

It is a perfect little Valentine for you and your lovey :)

I love to post reviews of recipes I find as well as my own originals on my blog.

They are always gluten free & almost always vegan too!

I also share crafts & parties that inspire me :) Thanks so much for having me Andee!

blog // shop // twitter // facebook // pinterest

Happy sweet sponsors!

inner healing, part two

2012-01-27T04:00:00.000-08:00

If you are new to this little series,

find part one of my healing journey here

find love story, the prequel here

So I began my healing process with my therapist twice a week. In her office I dealt with a lot of the hurt, anger, frustration, sadness and making sense of a lost childhood. But the real work took place on my couch every morning. You see, that's where I'd meet up with God.

Every morning I would spend time with Him, reading the Word. For about a year prior, I had gotten into a great groove with an awesome devotional Bible. I would read the passage for the day, read the devotional and then journal on the reflection questions. This habit was a great building block for me in my walk with the Lord. To this day, I still journal just about every morning.

But back to that spring 2008, I was dealing with the aftermath of not only the abuse, but of the poor choices that I made as a result. I have heard it said that broken little girls grow up to be broken women. That was me. Plain and simple. For the first time in my life, I was dealing with the sexual abuse from my father, the abandonment from my mother, and the mess I made in my own life. Before I knew the Lord, I hung out in dark places and I was dealing with the consequences of those choices.

At this time, I had also left my job teaching and I was looking for work. For the first time in my life, I couldn't get a job. I was used to walking in to a principal's office and they'd hand me the job. {I'm not trying to brag, that is just the truth of my experience.} But this time was different. I couldn't even get camp counselor jobs. What was going on?

What was going on was the Lord was making sure I had a clear schedule to do the real work. Amidst the emotional upheaval, feeding myself three meals and walking Bodie was just about all I could handle in a day.

I wanted to break out and to breakthrough. I was determined. In my quest for freedom I reached out everywhere I could. And by His grace, an awesome book, Beauty for Ashes, came into my lap. This book changed my life. But I didn't just read it in the way I normally read a book. It was me and Him, every morning, workin' it out on the couch.

I read that book like it was a workbook. I'd read a paragraph and journal on it. I'd read a chapter and take notes, underlining what really touched me. I even photocopied portions of it and taped them into my Bible. When the scriptures were referenced, I didn't gloss over them {the way I sometimes do when I read} I would underline them, go look 'em up in my Bible, underline 'em there. Ponder 'em. Medidate on 'em.

do not be conformed to this world

but be transformed

by the renewing of your mind

{Romans 12:2}

And that is exactly what began to happen to me. My mind was becoming renewed through the word of God. Little by little I began to see that He really loved me. It was around this time that I began to call him "Abba-Daddy" and truly develop a relationship with Him as my perfect Daddy.

Those moments on my couch were precious.

Necessary.

I believe in healing and I believe in miracles. I also believe that I am the emotional equivalent of a person whose legs were amputated and then grew brand new legs. I am an emotional miracle. Given my past, my history, my choices, and the messy mess-mess that I came up out of, I should not be able to have the life I have.

I have a stable life. For the most part, I make good choices. My heart is soft. I am trusting of God and trusting of others. But I also know when to say no and when people are taking advantage. I know how to set boundaries. I don't over eat, or under eat any more. I don't over shop, or buy things I don't want, need or have the money for. I don't long for what I don't have, thinking it will fix me. I no longer drink or do drugs. I no longer smoke cigarettes. Years before I met Mr. Handsome I looked to relationships to fix me. Oh, back then, I'd say I was a romantic. But really, I was just looking anywhere I could for a fix. I was in deep, deep pain and I wanted it to stop.

And back when I was making those choices, I didn't even know I was trying to stop the pain. All I knew is I needed more of everything and nothing worked. Until I came to Him. Not in the cute sweet way, but in the messy, snot running from my nose way. Crying out to Him from the deepest places in my soul and giving myself over completely to Him.

even me.

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation;

old things have passed away, behold all things have become new

{ 2 Corinthinas 5:17}

And I mean it. When I read that verse that says that I am a new creation, you'd better believe it. Like I said, I am a walking, talking miracle. I have been given a second chance. You know how sweet and lovely He is? He restores {and keeps restoring!} the lost years. I mentioned it in last week's post.

And that's where my life is today. I have been given back the lost years. That's a whole notha series. But you see it here, in my life as a quilt. The sweet newness of my marriage to Mr. Handsome. The Lord has restored me. He has given me back lost time.

To say that I am blessed is putting it way too lightly.

I'm new.

Brand spankin' new.

I started down this little rabbit trail of inner healing because I began to tell the story of how Mr. Handsome and I met. I got to the part where I cried out to the Lord to prepare me to become married. I {somewhat} glossed over the inner healing that had to take place before I was even remotely ready to meet the man who would become my husband. After I re-read it, I realized I needed to go deeper. So I went.

But all of this is to say that next week, I'll be back, continuing the story of how Mr. Handsome and I met. We are still on the prequel, but getting closer to that day we first met. Thanks for sticking around on the journey with me.

more to come...

linking here:

all natural homemade deodorant tutorial

2012-01-26T04:00:00.000-08:00

yippeeee it works!!!

all natural and no sweat smell

i've read quite a bit recently about the dangers of antiperspirants. the news can be quite distressing, with some making links to breast cancer. i'm not going to enter the debate.

what i can tell you is this:

a few months ago, i felt the Lord nudging me to stop using antiperspirant. i've known for years that it isn't good to clog the sweat glands.

i don't need to read it in an article on health to get it. if God created us to sweat, and while we sweat, toxins are released, why would i want to block that?

uh...'cause it's stinky. and i'm not a fan of stinky.

truth: for over 10 years i have vacillated. i've used the health store brands of deodorant, i've used the rock crystal deodorant {which has those sweat gland blocking agents anyway, but i'd rationalize with myself that it was better than the alternative.} then i'd get tired of the stinky so i'd go back on the antiperspirant, and then i'd repeat the cyle.

but like i said, i felt that nudge to stop blocking my sweat glands. so off to trader joe's i went. all natural deodorant in hand, i was back on the natural train. but end of day found me still a little less than sweet smellling.

so i did what i love to do...research! i found a couple of great all natural deodorant recipes. i combined what i learned here, here, and here to create the one you see below.

it took only a few minutes to make

and

i've been using it with super fab success for over a week now.

give it a whirl!

ingredients

6 T cornstarch or arrowroot powder

2 T baking soda

5-10 drops tea tree oil

2 T coconut oil

{i ordered mine from evitamins.com, but now they have it at trader joe's!}

materials

bowl

empty deodorant canister

{i just rolled mine all the way up + threw out the contents}

place cornstarch, baking soda and tea tree oil in bowl

{use a very light hand with the tea tree oil}

my tea tree oil bottle did not have a dropper,

so i dropped the oil into a teaspoon first, then put it in the bowl

add coconut oil

mix all ingredients well

smush into empty deodorant canister

this recipe made enough for two

with leftovers

{which i rolled into a ball + have in wax paper in the fridge}

add a cute homemade label if you like

right click on this image to save to your desktop

print, cut+ apply label to your new deodorant

i also put clear packing tape over my label for a little waterproofing

a few notes about using your awesome new deodorant:

1. use lightly-don't go back + forth over the underarm area.

i apply one stroke and i'm smell free all day!

i've read that if you over-apply it can get drippy

2. coconut oil is solid when kept under 76 degrees,

so if you live in a warm climate, you can keep in the fridge

so far, i've been keeping mine in the bathroom with no troubles

we'll see how it goes in the summer

3. only roll up what you need, otherwise it can get melty

i read that this is also due to the coconut oil only being solid under 76 degrees F

i just roll up what i need for the day, and so far, so rockin' good

i gotta say, i am so excitedly jumping for joy at this new deodorant

and i've been using it during my most sweaty times of the month

tmi?

maybe.

but its the truth.

i'm happily smell free

and my sweat glands are doing what they were created to do.

happy all natural deodorant!

linking here and here:

personal style

2012-01-25T00:00:00.000-08:00

tuesday

{work from home + errands; giving sozo ministry @ nite}

pink sweater- max studio outlet

tshirt- forever 21

jeans- forever 21

flats- off broadway shoe wherehouse

style tip:

i'm so loving this old sweater. it's an unusual shade of pink and it seems to flatter my skin tone. but it has a neckline that's totally unflattering on me. so i make sure to always wear it with a crew neck t shirt. this way i have a more flattering neckline and i also still get to benefit from the flattering color. try out different colors + necklines. see what flatters and what doesn't. always go with what works on you + not what's 'in fashion.' my opinion here: personal style = panache, and that's always in style!

wednesday

{work from home + receiving sozo ministry @ nite}

grey t shirt- forever 21

tank under t- forever 21

tshirt sweater- thrifted

jeans- forever 21

shoes- off broadway shoe warehouse

earrings- cost plus world market

style tip:

when thrifting, look for things that you know you'll wear. like this t shirt material 'sweater,' i put it on + it looked like it was already mine. like it was so 'me' that it looked like it came from my closet. score! also, the rest of my out fit was so simple + muted, i felt like it'd be fun to wear some earrings that "popped"- enter the turquoise hanging numbers from cost plus.

thursday

{visiting in san clemente}

sweater- local boutique

dark skinnies- forever 21

suede + leather uggs- can't remember where i got 'em!

scarf- local boutique

t under sweater- forever 21

style tip:

i love winter white over dark. the white brings light to the face and the dark is slimming.

hello slimming. you are my friend.

sunday

{church + baby shower}

dress- loehmann's

tank underneath- forever 21

boots- nine west

socks peeking from boots- local boutique

necklace- local boutique

hairband- gift from mr. handsome

style tip:

i don't know what it is about baby showers, but i just love to wear dresses to a shower. but it was cold that day! i wanted to look a tad 'nicey' because of the shower. otherwise i would have worn my beat up old motorcycle boots. but instead i wore the more elegant riding boots. but to add a little unexpected style, i paired them with the peeking out socks. you could only see them when i crossed my legs, but still, it added a bit of subtle style. i'm all about subtle.

monday

{date night}

old abercrombie sweater- thrifted

tshirt underneath- forever 21

skinny cords- heritage 1981

suede + leather uggs- can't remember where i got 'em

scarf- i made it

necklace underneath-local boutique

style tip:

i love how warm this sweater is, but it's waaay masculine, so i softened the whole look {which is more on the boyish side} with a more girlie scarf. mixing it up adds that personal style i was talking about earlier. my personal style is to mix up boyish and girlie. find what works for you! maybe you want to wear a pearl necklace with everything, even a t shirt. or maybe you are an accessory girl, or have a signature color. experiment and find what feels like 'you' and then go with it!

happy fun outfits!

linking here:

craft room

2012-01-24T04:00:00.000-08:00

whew.

finally.

I'm happy to say that my little studio has gone through an overhaul. It was about time. I had no where to put things, so they just all lived on the surfaces. And I'm not even a messy person. Typically tidy over here. But I just got so busy when I did get down to work here that I just ignored the mess and plowed ahead. No more! I'd had it. Plus knowing that we were having family coming for a visit was just the inspiration I needed to get it in gear.

Here's my rather distressing 'before' pic

My workspace in is the guesthouse out back. We lovingly refer to it as the 'casita.' In the casita, this painting hangs in what would otherwise be the kitchen. My sweet sister in law, Lindsey invited me over last year to explore this fun collage + painting technique. I really like it, even though it's unfinished.

ahhh...organization

the glass jars are re-purposed candle jars from wall mart

the white cups are from ikea, otherwise known as plant pots

my dear friend emily got me this book when we were in art school. i still cherish it.

hello kitty is courtesy of my friend alvino.

i just covered some ikea bulletin boards with fabric.

some of the sweet memories posted up are from blog sugar.

cute fabric in little hoops. i want to add more sizes, but they were out when i was at the fabric store. it's a work in progress.

I made a printable from psalm 91, turning the words into a declaration.

His truth protects me.

I am not afraid of anything.

He gives His angels charge over me.

I could read that forever.

happy fun studio make over!

linking up here

no reply blogger

2012-01-23T04:00:00.001-08:00

i was

i didn't even know it.

i'd leave comments on people's blogs, but they couldn't reply back to me.

i fixed it a while back

but lately i've been getting comments from no reply bloggers

and maybe they don't even know they are

so just in case, i thought i'd mention it here

are you a no reply blogger?

jodi at pleasant-home helped me out

and i put a stop to it.

visit jodi here

just to check and make sure

she'll show you how and why

and why not even

thanks jodi!

happy commenting!

inner healing

2012-01-20T04:00:00.001-08:00

read part one here

About three or four days after I wrote "Our love story, the prequel", I gave it a re-read. I realized that in my excitement to share our story with you, I somehow seemed to gloss over the inner healing part of this journey. And that is nothing to gloss over, let me tell you. So in an attempt to be transparent, and true, let me delve a little deeper.

So it was spring in 2008 and I discovered that I was sexually abused as a child. I had repressed these memories for many many years. As a matter of fact, when I was in my late teens and seeing a therapist, I asked her if she thought I was abused. She said no. She felt that I was treated inappropriately {sexualized} but not abused. I later leaned in my healing process that even this is considered abuse. But nonetheless, as a very young adult, the last thing I wanted to do was deal with being abused and since I was not totally sure, I believed I could trust this professional. My feelings went underground once again.

So flash forward to that March morning in 2008. I was in a pool of tears. On the floor. Overwhelmed. I reached out to two good friends of mine and shared the story with them. They too had been abused. With this network of women around me, I had people I could call and just simply cry. I went to see a Christian counselor who was a good woman, and I'm sure a great counselor, but she was too soft. But I will never forget the wisdom of the word she shared with me on one of our last sessions.

I had never heard that verse before. And I hung onto it. You see, I believe God. I trust Him. And if He said it, it's so. End of story.

and I am here to tell you the He has, and does, continue to restore those years that were stolen

But I digress.

So when I say the counselor I saw was too soft, I mean to say that I knew I was in a battle here. I needed to fight. I refused to allow the circumstances of my past to keep me in the mire. Refused. So I continued searching. I went back to a therapist that I had seen when I was initially interviewing potential therapists. I had a feeling she was the one.

This 'feeling' was me beginning to hear and trust the voice of the Lord.

I was new in learning to hear Him. But I was on my way. And this therapist and I began our work. She told me about two different books on the subject. I ordered them immediately. I poured through the workbook. I read the book. I ordered additional resources. I wrote. I journaled. I cried. I painted my fury. I cried some more. I worked out at the gym with abandon, listening to the angriest music I could find {more fury.}And I talked, I shared, I discovered, and I forgave.

So much happened for me in that little office. One of the greatest lessons that I learned is that my father, who was one of my abusers, was not all bad. What? Yup, you heard it right. It was a challenge for me, but I came to understand and reconcile that he did bad things to me and he also did good things. It wasn't a black and white situation. And making peace with this was paramount in my recovery.

Perhaps the greatest understanding that I came away with is that someone must have done this to him. Abuse doesn't exist in a vacuum. It is generational. Only my poor father, who really did try the best he could, never was able to get the help he needed. His life and his heart must have been tortured.

compassion

I have come to a place of compassion. But I didn't get here overnight. And I didn't get here alone.

When I first read those words I wept from the very deepest place in my soul.

I was the brokenhearted.

I was the captive

I was bound.

And He came to set me free.

Whom the Son sets free is free indeed!

John 8:36

Can I get an amen?

As much of the work was in therapy, the greatest work, was the one the Lord did in my heart. And I want to continue to share this with you a bit more. Journey with me. There's more to come.

Until next time...

linking here

and here:

san clemente

2012-01-19T07:59:00.000-08:00

off to san clemente today

filling my heart are

sweet memories of this quaint beach town i briefly got to call home

laughing and praying with good friends

meeting a new baby

i'm excited for the day!

different ways to wear jeans

2012-01-18T00:00:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the style file!

This week is all about different ways to wear jeans.

Here's what I wore last week.

tuesday

{work from home + city rock @night}

sweater- max studio outlet

skinnies- forever 21

boots- leather + suede uggs

scarf- i made it

earrings- gift from mr. handsome

style tip:

I went with an all black look, breaking it up with the silver-ey scarf. I love the all black look, but I felt a little too Johnny Cash without the scarf. Not that I don't love that man in black, but it was a little morose for my mood that day. Plus the lighter silver-ey scarf brings light to the face. And we like light on the face. Oh yes.

wednesday

{work from home + prayer night}

pink+ black polka dot top- forever 21

little black sweater- max stiudio outlet

jeans- forever 21

flats- off broadway shoe warehouse

necklace- local boutique

style tip:

I tried putting on a grey sweater with this outfit first, but it felt like there were too many colors in the conversation. Even though the top has grey, pink and black polka dots, the grey felt too loud. When in doubt, go for the simpler choice. In this case, black. The black sweater seemed to catch less attention. It was like the grey sweater and the polka dot top were having a fight.

Wearing clothing is like having a conversation.

thursday

{work from home}

tshirt- forever 21

sweater- max studio outlet

skinnies- forever 21

shoes- urban outfitters

necklace- forever 21

earrings- gift from mr. handsome

style tip:

I just love a white sweater over a white top.

simple

elegant

The dark jeans are slimming. And we love slimming.

friday

{volunteering at harvest international ministry}

top- loehmanns

skinnies- forever 21

sweater- max studio outlet

belt- local boutique

two strand necklace- forever 21

boots- local boutique

style tip:

take an old slouchy sweater, add skinny belt.

voilà

a new look is born

saturday

{bopping 'round town with family visiting}

t shirt- walmart

boyfriend jeans- h&m

sweater- forever 21

shoes- urban outfitters

necklace- forever 21

style tip:

Dress up funky,worn-in jeans with glammy accessories. I love the necklace and the bronze-ey shoes with these jeans. And the sweater in that rich caramel color, something just says "elegant" when I see that color. It reminds me of a camel hair coat. It's a little posh, but then mixed up with the funky jeans for a twist. Fun.

What have you been wearing this week?

happy fun outfits!

linking here:

digital scrapbooking giveaway

2012-01-17T14:24:00.000-08:00

I love photoshop. I've been using it since my art school days and I feel that photoshop is my friend. But I realize that not everyone has it, knows how to figure it out, or is even in a place financially to afford it.

Maybe this is you

and maybe you still want a cute blog

and

you want to do it yourself.

Well guess what I've got?

A giveaway for some great software!

I made these cool sidebar blog links using their software and it was easy peasy.

Visit my review blog to enter the giveaway, and to find out how I made these sidebar links.

Additional bonus!

I've got a discount code for you too!

$10 off your purchase of the MyMemories software,

and

a coupon for $10 off for digital downloads

$20 off total

just copy and paste this code:

STMMMS78372

yippee!

Happy fun giveaway!

now go enter for your chance to win!

P.S. Feel free to use the blog sidebar links I made. Right click and save to your desktop. They are for personal use only. You may not re-sell them. You may use them on a blog that you have that is a business blog however. Use them on your business blog, family blog, or other blog.

spiritual mom

2012-01-16T04:00:00.000-08:00

in 2009 God surprised me

He brought someone new in my life

i had been praying for her before i knew who she was

i used to ask God to bring a wise woman into my life

i wanted to learn His ways

from someone who had walked before me

to instruct me

to guide me

to love me

and one day at work

we met

this remarkable woman of God

came into my life

embraced me

and walks alongside of me

gently nudging

never afraid to mince words

{oh no she isn't!}

but

always

loving

my spiritual mama

you bless me so

i love you, eema

{i call her that, it means "mama" in hebrew}

our love story, the prequel

2012-01-13T04:00:00.000-08:00

summer 2009, a photo from our early days of courting

It all started in September of 2007. I was so tired of being single. I got down on my knees and cried out to the Lord to do whatever it takes to prepare me for my husband and prepare him for me, so that when we came together, our lives, our marriage, and our family would be a place where He could shine.

be careful what you pray for

Well, my prayer was heard, and answered. I'm writing in my journal. It's spring 2008 and I'm going through my daily devotional Bible. I'd read the Bible passage, the devotional and answer the reflection questions in my journal. I come to the question,

"have you ever taken on the guilt of someone else's sin as your own?"

At this point, my pen takes over with a mind and will of its own. And my pen seems to know things that I do not. I begin writing about being sexually abused as a child. I was writing more about my feelings about the situation that the memories themselves. The memories arrived a bit later on the journey. I fell into a pile of tears on my floor.

I called friends. I reached out. Bawling. Shaking. I could barely feed myself three meals and walk my dog in those days. The smallest task was just a little too much. I knew now why I wasn't able to find work after I left my last teaching job. God was carving out a space to answer my prayer. I told Him, no I begged Him,

do whatever it takes to prepare me for my husband

and He was.

I found my way to an awesome therapist, who was a true warrior woman. I needed someone who I felt was strong enough to fight this battle with me and help me get to the other side. I was determined that it would not pull me down.

At the same time, an awesome book found it's way into my lap and into my heart, Beauty for Ashes, by Joyce Meyer. This book changed my life. By this time I had finished my devotional Bible. So every morning I would sit down with Joyce's book. I'd read a page or two or ten, as I felt led. I'd journal about what I was reading. When I got to the scripture verses, I'd look them up in my own Bible instead of glossing over them in the book. I'd write them down.

Each morning on my couch, God began to do a work in my heart. Twice a week on my therapist's couch, I went through practical tools for healing. Within six months, I went from going to therapy twice a week, to once a week, then to once a month. I was healing.

I was also dating. Not the best of 'relationships,' if you can call them that. They were more like little trials. I had two 6 week attempts. Both of them nice enough guys. Just not nice enough for me.

And it was the fallout of attempt number two that took me to crying out to God again.

to be continued...

we have a winner!

2012-01-12T15:55:00.000-08:00

and the winner is...

number 20

congratulations julie wasson

you won the shabby apple necklace

i'll send an e-mail to you right away!

writing help

2012-01-12T07:15:00.000-08:00

source: ellaminnowpeas via buddy rooster via andee eve on pinterest

a lot of my friends homeschool their kids

a lot of my friends talk about how they want their kids to be better writers

i used to be a teacher,

and i wish many of my students were better writers

writing can be challenging to help a kid with.

{oops, i just ended my sentence with a preposition!}

especially if you may have forgotten

grammatical rules

the tips and tricks

how do you write a good thesis?

what is an thesis anyway?

adverb versus adjective

proper noun

what?

maybe you want a little help for your child

maybe you want a writing tutor in your living room

visit my review blog for deets!

happy writing!

the style file

2012-01-11T00:00:00.000-08:00

welcome to my style file...

i got inspired by lindsey months and months ago to get out of the sweatpants

and here i am

actually matching my clothes and putting on make up

even on days when i work at home and never leave the house

thank you lindsey!

for this week, i've decided to add a little more that just what i wore and where i got it

i've decided to add little style tips about why i wore what i wore

i am by no means a fashion diva

or even a mini diva

i just thought it'd be fun to add a little more story to how i got dressed that morning.

so here's the latest...

wednesday

{work from home}

top- nordstroms a couple of years ago

jeans- forever 21

shoes- off broadway shoe warehouse a bazilliondy years ago

necklace- forever 21

style tip:

i love that color blue

and i think it looks good with my complexion

i love the color yellow so much but oh my! yellow is a disaster for my skin tone!

when i wear yellow i look like i'm a human bottle of mustard.

you think i'm kidding

not so much

but that blue seems to work. deep purple too. they're kinda the same on me.

find a color that looks good with your skin tone

remember it when you're shopping and see what you can find in your flattering color

ps you don't have to spend big bucks either

i'm a fan of sale racks and goodwill, or any thrift store for that matter

i love that style doesn't have to be found only in the fancy pantsy stores

friday

{volunteering @ harvest international ministries}

please ignore my giant head in this photo. thanx.

top- forever 21 sale rack

tank underneath tunic top- h&m

skinnies- forever 21

worn-in motorcycle boots- thrifted

necklace- forever 21

style tip:

i love wearing all black

it's another flattering color, plus it's slimming

and who can argue with slimming, right?

but i gotta break it up with an accessory

enter the silver pearl + bead necklace

i bought it a few years ago and i wear it with *everything*

and with this outfit, it breaks up the all black look a bit

sunday

{church + volunteering for rock pathways}

dress- james perse from loehmann's

cropped t over dress {to cover up ridiculously plunging neckline}-gap body

sweater- max studio outlet

leggings- target

beat up motorcycle boots- thrifted

2 strand necklace- forever 21

style tip:

take a cutie pie prissy look and make it funky!

when i was getting dressed that morning i knew i coulda worn my little black flats with it

{and almost did}

but i thought i wanted to mix it up a bit

enter the beat up motorcycle boots

i love mixing and matching stye types

but be careful

i only recommend doing this when everything else in your look is

sedate + simple

i wouldn't mix a hello kitty shirt with a wild printed scarf, huge loud earrings, and stripey tights under your mini with ankle boots

that might be a little muchie

it's like a conversation,

i try to go for having only one piece that is a little louder than all the others

otherwise it's like your outfit is having a fight with itself,

every piece screaming at the others to back down.

i hope you like the new style file.

tell me what you think.

do you think i should continue with the tips?

what are some of your fave fashion tips?

we can all use some inspiration when facing our closets!

linking here:

e book

2012-01-10T04:00:00.000-08:00

source: reverie daydream via andee eve on pinterest

i've got a new discovery

sparkling in my hands

it reminds me of the way i felt when i first discovered blogging

a whole new world opened up to me

something exciting and new

beckoning me

alluring me with it's sweet perfume...

let me explain.

in 2009 i felt the Lord lead me to quit my job with reality check

{where i shared the message with teens, young adults, and singles about saving sex for marriage}

in the months prior, He began downloading all these books to me

i mean i was a writing machine

but i had no time for it

and He said move on from here, I want you to write

i heard and obeyed.

then mr. handsome popped the question

i packed up + moved

started a new life in san clemente

meanwhile, i stopped getting the downloads

no more inspiration came for the books

and i really felt that He had me on hold

{meanwhile i felt really silly when people would ask me how the book was coming}

but i know who i need to listen to

in the interim, He told me to start a blog

don't worry about making money

take the focus off "business"

and

"just have fun"

source: inspire bohemia via we heart it via andee eve on pinterest

so i did

fun fun fun

i found a renewal in my creative heart

for the first time in a long time i was being creative 'just because"

{i think art school may have done a number on me}

but for the first time ever, i felt like i had permission to play

i felt like a kid who just learned to ride a bike

freedom!

and then i'd say about four to six months ago

i started to get a little flutter

of somethin' new on the horizon

i was getting a bee in my bonnet about e books

i knew absolutely nothing about the whole world of self publishing

but there it was

a little tickle

every month of so, i'd think of it

flash forward to this time last week

::woosh::

i get a download from heaven

a new book idea

for an e book

but i know nothing of such things

but God is so awesome how He works it all out

i made a date to talk to one of my roomies for blissdom on skype

and she has on her skype status

"finishing my e book"

fireworks proceed to go off in my brain

so i ask her about it

she gives me her story about how she learned about them

tells me this awesome story of being in the right place at the right time

talking to a woman

{at last year's blissdom i think maybe..?}

and this woman starts to tell her just what she needed to know

as leigh is telling me this,

i have a major butterfly in my tummy because i was experiencing the exact same thing!

so the long and short of it

i'm on a road of discovery here

researching

learning all about e books and self publishing

source: simplypix on tumblr via andee eve on pinterest

and i feel like i've captured the magic of inspiration in a jar

and i'm holding on to it

admiring how it sparkles and shines

but most of all dancing in the joy that it brings to my heart

and one thing i know is that this is a story

that is

to be continued...

on the journey,

p.s. if you know anything about e books or the world of self publishing, i'd love to learn from you! please share! know of any good e books out there? guides to writing them? or even just some tips?

i'd looove to hear from you! thanks bunches! xo

blogger award

2012-01-09T09:09:00.000-08:00

source: middlechildcomplex.tumblr.com via andeeeve on pinterest

i just got a sweet surprise

an honor, really

ally from love parish

awarded me

and ten other fab women

the kreativ blogger award

thanks ally!

the rules:

1. link back to the person who gave you this award

2. complete the form below

3. award 10 other blogs and let them know in a comment or e-mail

4. share 7 random thoughts about yourself

source: Karolinefelixdream on etsy via andee eve on pinterest

form:

1. name your fave song

it's a tie between

'come away' by jesus culture

and

'god of the redeemed' by bethel live

2. name your fave dessert

chocolate mousse cake

3. what ticks you off

when peeps are judgmental

4. when i'm upset i...

turn to God and seek peace in Him

5. what's your fave pet

don't make me choose between bodie {our dog}

and sammi {my kitty who died in 2008}

6. black or white

white

7. biggest fears

God did not give me a spirit of fear but of power, love and sound mind

8. everyday attitude

i'm all about

finding joy in the sweet + simple

and

sharing love

9. what is perfection

soaking in the love of the Father

10. guilty pleasure

watching reality tv shows like

teen mom

and

celebrity rehab

my ten blogs who i will share this award with:

really? i have to only pick ten? there are ten bazilliondy blogs i want to share this with!

but ok, i'll follow the rules

and these are in absolutely no order

1. marigold road

2. captivated by grace

3. snow in december

4. re made simple

5. the arizona russums

6. bitty bird

7. vintage wannabe

8. thoughts on these things

9. happy days

10. mimicking God's creation

seven randoms about me:

1. i hate to exercise if it 'feels' like excercise

2. so i dance, swim and hike

3. i used to be a super super duper earthy crunchy granola type girl

and i still have much of that in me

but i'm probably more granola-lite now

4. so i eat whole grains way more than white

5. i haaaate using paper towels and use cloth towels for 99 percent of all my kitchen + household stuff

6. we only use cloth napkins

7. i love everything about the 1950s-clothes, music, hairstyles, cars- you name it

ps i have to say i absolutely adore this little blogging community of ours!

sometime last year i was honored with a similar award

and this one is close,yet different

it kinda reminds me of that game 'telephone' we used to play when we were kids

how you sit in a circle and whisper one thing to the kid next to you

they whisper-repeat it back to the next kid

+ so on

until the last kid

who says it out loud

and it's totally morphed from the original

totally random-

but i wonder if this is like a blogger's game of 'telephone'

wouldn't that be sweet?

i love getting to be a kid again!

yay!