Friday, January 31, 2014

My Better Half

Jeremy and I went on a fancy date last Friday night and seriously it was SO needed. We had the best time reconnecting. It has (literally) been months since our last date. And it was our second "official" date since Jonah was born. Crazy town.

The days and weeks are long. I'm walking through a space in our life that is more challenging. I'm alone with Jonah more than I'm with my better half (and that he is). We pass one another on our way to and from work. Each with a different schedule and direction. It takes a toll on you. On the relationship.



Marriage is hard. Am I the only one around here that struggles in my marriage? This isn't about divorce. It's just about the daily wear on the most important earthly relationship. Our marriages. It takes work to stay connected to your spouse. Effort. And grace. Biting your (okay, my) tongue sometimes. Not complaining. Not picking. Just loving.

Whew. Even typing that makes me think about the trash that needs to be taken out. Can the church say Amen!?


Goofing off on our first date night since Jonah was born


This past Sunday we stayed for the late service and went to a couple's class. Shortly after we arrived they asked each couple to stand, introduce their spouse and say one thing that we love + appreciate about them. You guys!!! It was EYE-OPENING. So special to hear what others appreciate in their spouse and relationship. They gave "homework" and asked each couple to continue this tradition this week. Every single day.

Can I tell you that it has been the absolute high-light of my week?!! Hearing something new that Jeremy loves and appreciates about me every day. It was so needed and is improving our communication greatly. If you're looking to connect with your Hubs, I encourage you to give it a try for a week!
---

I would love to know how you stay connected with your spouse, especially if you have younger children! 

Thursday, January 30, 2014

Warm Plaid {What Jonah's Wearing}


Plaid flannel button up (no longer available)
Sweatshirt.
Baby Gap Jeans.
Kicks (similar)

cutest nugget on tha' block.


--

Happy Thursday. It's my favorite day of the week! It's all downhill from here. Tomorrow's FRIDAY!

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Authentic

Y'all. Being real and expressing the good, bad (and yes, even the ugly) takes such guts. I've been really inspired lately by several blog posts that I've read from women who are being brave and sharing their REAL life.

There's just something about the blogging community that connects us in a really cool way. In my opinion it makes you more authentic. It takes bravery to publicly post that life isn't all rainbows and sparkles. I mean. We all want to see your rainbows and sparkles. Bring'em. But, in this very non-realistic social-media-makes-everything-look-shiny world that we live in, it's so refreshing to see women speaking truth about this topic!!

Here are a few posts I've read in recent weeks that have impacted me. Made me teary eyed. And, made me connect with their writing:

Lesley talking about being brave.

Stacie sharing in big, brave ways.

Sherah discussing motherhood.

Edie hitting the nail on the head about marriage.

Jenny talking about real life.

I'm so encouraged and inspired by these brave women who aren't afraid to put themselves out there and be real.  I hope you are also.

--
And, one more because their story is SO inspiring. Go read Ashley's post about God's faithfulness and how generosity ALWAYS wins!!

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Take Note Tuesday {Three Things}


1. Any of these lovely pink watches at Nordstrom. Or Fossil. I have a super cute rubber watch from Target that's pink. Love it!!
2. I mean. Do I even need to tell you why these are adorable?! Pink Miller's.
3. Gap Body pj's. Soooo soft. And, perfect for Valentine's Day! Pretty sure my Hubs would agree. ;)

Monday, January 27, 2014

2014: Purpose

I didn't set goals for 2014 before the year began. I'm not big on new year's resolutions because I feel like I shouldn't need a new year to change something. To be. To do. To go. If it needs to be different, muster up the courage to do it now. Why wait? However, this year has felt different. I'm happily living in 2014, and thankful that 2013 with it's rough, bumpy patches is a closed book.

We are three weeks into 2014. I've been pondering my goals and dreams for the year. Naturally I wanted to make a list. Write it out. And, I've been thinking about a word for this year. My word to dwell on. A word that sums up my goals and dreams-

Purpose

I want to live life on purpose in 2014. To be purposeful with my words, actions and deeds. To purposefully savor every hug from Jonah. To find my purpose, and use my creativity and talents for good. The true definition of purpose is, "the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists". I want to be intent upon life.

Living intentionally. Being all here for my Husband and Son.

Here are a few goals for this fresh, new year:

1. Date night with Jeremy once per week. Eating in, or out. Just eating WITH him is the plan. Reconnecting and building a better relationship together.
2. Making the mundane weeknight routine more interesting. Taking Jonah to feed the ducks before dinner. Staying up late on a random Thursday to get an ice cream cone in our PJ's. Living for the weekend makes the weeks insignificant. I want to make the long evenings alone with Jonah count.
3. Take our first vacation as a family of 3 this summer.
4. More girl's nights. Coffee with friends. Saturday junking. Build and foster friendships with women who inspire me. Put effort into being a friend.
5. Begin serving in some capacity at church.
6. Go all in for the big dream.
7. Use my creativity, and creative talents to learn something new. Quilting. Sewing. Painting. Cooking. Baking. Pottery. Graphics. Web design. Pick one and do it. Learn more.
8. Memorize (and read!) more scripture that is applicable to my life. Study the word.
9. Walk away from the iPhone & social media before and after work hours, until Jonah is tucked snugly in bed.
10. Purchase and test different skincare products (a new one per month!). Without guilt.

Here's hoping for a very purposeful 2014, y'all!
--

What are you dreaming of and planning for 2014?

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Snap. Crackle. Pop.

I (still) have a thing for fringe, y'all. And poms. And tassels. Basically anything that adds a little snap, crackle, pop to an accessory. Just part of my personality, I guess.

This adorable velvet pillow is available on Anthropologie's website and I love it. I'm thinking about getting the teal bolster (or the dark grey, I can't decide between the two!!) for our bed. A little pop of personality.



Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Take Note Tuesday {Three Things}

1. Adorable heart clip by Bando. Clip it anywhere you like (I would clip it to a tote!)
2. This is the song I sing to Jonah every single morning when he wakes up. This wood sign is adorable!
3. I mean. Come on. Who wouldn't want this little prize for love day?! 

Monday, January 20, 2014

Dallas Market {The Royal Standard}

This past week/weekend I traveled to our Dallas showrooms to set up camp for the January gift market. We (The Royal Standard) have two permanent showrooms in Dallas, and we also have permanent showrooms in Atlanta, High Point and Vegas. January market is kiiiind a big deal!

It is NON-stop in our showrooms. Our products sell really well for retailers. They're at a great price point and on trend. Have I mentioned how much I love my job?!

I work with these products every day. From conception until they're in our warehouse in Alabama. It's fun to actually see what I've been working on in real life. And people getting excited about it! I try to take time to see what our customers are really loving and (sometimes) not loving. I walk around the room eavesdropping on the conversations to get a feel for what's really selling in their stores.

That's what it's all about. Our customers being happy and selling the heck out of our products. Here are a few photos I snapped around our TRS Dallas showrooms:









Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Take Note Tuesday {Three Things}

Valentines Day is exactly one month away. I thought it would be fun to share cute little love day finds the next couple of weeks..
 

1. This mug for my hunky Hubs.
2. These cute icing toppers make cupcakes easy peasy.
3. Cupcake Picks (I also use these for bread, muffins, you name it..)
 
 

Monday, January 13, 2014

Doubt + Dreams {The Oxford}



Have you guys ever really felt something in your gut that you just knew was being worked out according to God's perfect plan and timing? We're experiencing this right now in our life. I thought I would share a little bit with you today.

--

Since Jeremy and I started dating, I always knew his dream was to own + open his own menswear shop.  He started working for a small, high-end menswear store in our little college town while in high school and has always had a passion for quality men's clothing.

Fast forward twelve years and here we are. His dream and desires haven't diminished over the years and I am 100% behind the plan. The timing is right in our life, and we're going for it. Together. We've selected a name for the store, scouted out the perfect location and are in the thick of it all. Jeremy knows clothes. Quality, well-made menswear. Of that I have zero doubt. And, good things have started happening. Propelling us in the direction of change.

And yet. Despite these good things, I still have these itty bitty little seeds of doubt.

Essentially doubting God.

This topic has been on my heart since the beginning of the year. Faith, that is. And how God actually works in our life vs. the way we want Him to work. Trusting God for things big and small. Believing and trusting. In my opinion it's always a breeze to listen to someone else's faith building story. How God moved in a crazy way in their life. How they placed their trust in God and proclaimed their blessing out loud. It's another story when it comes to our own lives.

It's a big deal. To say that something is going to happen in MY life. And truly believe it. To announce a plan, knowing that it might not work. To stand firm. To have enough faith to believe in your heart that it WILL happen.

Yikes.

God is working on me.

My Husband doesn't struggle with this like I do. He just believes. Simply. Me? Another story completely. I like to control our life. I like to KNOW the plan. To stick to the plan. And, to have every little detail worked out before we decide to do something BIG. I want to control it all and just have it work so-so. On my schedule and timeline, of course.

I am a play it safe kind of girl. Yesterday, my sweet Husband gently reminded me of this-

God works everything out His way so we aren't involved in any part of it.

Read that again. It was a revelation to me. When its all said and done we couldn't have done it on our own. It has to be HIS way, or we might think we had a part in it. Reality is, His way is so much bigger than we could ever work out.

So, I'll keep you guys posted on our progress. The name of the shop is, "The Oxford" (we will refer to it as The Oxford Haberdashery as well), and it will be located here in the Houston area. The emphasis will be on quality, American made goods. Our goal is to open the doors in late 2014.

Through this process I'm learning to trust in God. To have that scary kind of faith that believes when I don't SEE anything yet. I'm learning to trust. If you're facing similar situations in your life that require the big, scary kind of faith, just be encouraged. God WILL work it all out. In His perfect timing. And as it turns out, His way is always better. BIGGER.

And, please share your story if you've already experienced this in your own life, I would love to hear!

Thursday, January 9, 2014

Making Laundry Prettier

 
World Market does it again. Love, love that vintage style rolling cart. It would be perfect in our laundry room, or even in our living area. It would organize all of Jonah's footballs. Kick balls. Baseballs. His boy stuff. Hmmm. I might just have to put that one in the cart. Pun intended. And, I just love the little smiley face broom set. World Market really is my jam, y'all. Go, buy and make your chores a little prettier.
 
ps. I would also use the "storage" bin in our bathroom to corral all of our soaps, lotions and bubble bath!

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

New Year. New Grace.


Hey y'all. Did you know it's a new day? New year? Yep. That excites me.

I found the most adorable (and free!) pintable's today. Just stumbled right upon a treasure trove. Go look at these. Encouraging scriptures + beautiful artwork. For the win.

Happy Wednesday!

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Monday, January 6, 2014

What's Brewin' {Monday Pick-Me-Up}

Do you need a Monday pick-me-up? I doooo.

Look at these cute monogrammed mugs that I found for a whopping $6. So cute, right? I think one of these (hint hint) would certainly cheer my Monday blues..

 
 

Tomorrow's my birthday and I'm gonna party like it's my birthday. Be in bed by 9pm. Drink an extra cup of joe. Splurge on an extra cupcake. You know how I roll...

Saturday, January 4, 2014

Sweater Weather


H&M (found online)

I love hunting cute, affordable deals. The six tops above are from H&M and fit into those two categories. Over the next couple of months you'll find me wearing lightweight sweaters and tops. On chilly days I'll layer them over a button up or flannel, and on the frequent warm Texas "winter" days where temps reach the mid to upper 70's, I'll wear these guys solo. I'm especially loving the two linen-blend tees below with the zip back.

I hope you guys are having a swell first weekend of 2014!

Friday, January 3, 2014

Ready for Action {Valentine's Day Wreath)


Our front door is ready for a little visitor action, y'all. Who wants to come over?

On the very first day of the 2014, I kicked it off right by having a little crafternoon session. I invited a friend (Hi, Brooke!) over, and we got down to business. And, by got down I mean...ignored our babies whining, crying and pulling on our clothes. Averted several major breakdowns and spilled more than a little juice + milk. You know. The good stuff.


We made Valentine's Day Wreaths. They are SO adorable if I do say so myself. And I do. I put together a simple tutorial for anyone that wants to give it a shot. Super easy + adorable.



Looped Flower:
1. Take a felt rectangle and cut it like a hot dog. Yep.
2. Take one of the hot dogs and fold it like another hot dog.
3. Cut the folded side (not all the way, or you will chop off your flower)
4. Twist into a roll. Hot glue. Or sew. Delight in it.
* You can also make a fringed flower by cutting the other side (the non-looped side) and rolling.

Rosette:
1. Cut a small (4-5") circle in felt.
2. Cut a spiral (the size of your spiral will determine the "height" of your rosette.
3. Fold towards the inside of the spiral, starting with the pointy end.
4. We found the easiest thing to do is hot glue as you go. Every so often. Voile. Done.

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

This is our YEAR

Happy New Year, everyone! I just have a feeling that 2014 will be one of the best years of our entire life. I have such expectation. BIG dreams. BIG plans.

"...But with God, all things are possible"
Matthew 19:26

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future"
Jeremiah 29:11

Make 2014 count!