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What I Wore Wednesday 10.2.2013

October 2, 2013 by Amy 9 Comments

It’s Wednesday when I share my outfits from the week.

I pair my outfits with inspirational photos. Read more about that here.

Email and RSS readers need to click over to the site to see the inspirational photos.

It’s finally cooling off a bit here in the Carolinas even though it was in the 80s and sunny today. I’m usually hot mid-afternoon with pants on but the mornings and evenings have been calling for warmer clothes.

I’m waiting until I get through the AdvoCare 24-day challenge to go buy more pants for the winter. However, my friend Dani passed on all these shirts to me when we visited them the other weekend so I didn’t need to do any fall shopping for shirts. Thanks, friend!

Linked up to:

The Pleated Poppy’s What I Wore Wednesday

Parenting in Bits

September 30, 2013 by Amy 8 Comments

Krappweis

I had these expectations of how it would be to parent older children. I imagined long talks and diatribes about family values and morals and situations. I’ve been hyperventilating about The Talk since I found out I was pregnant. Perhaps I’d watched too many sitcoms in the 80’s and 90’s where everything ended with some wisdom from Mom and Dad.

However, parenting older children is not going the way I thought it would.

I’ll pick them up from school and ask how their day went and one will complain about a friend who wasn’t being nice. Oh, this is my chance, I’ll think. “Well, you know, Lexi, we have to treat others how we want to be treated.” There’s a beat of silence and Emma shouts from the other back seat, “Oh my gosh, Ryan threw up right before music and it was SO. GROSS.” Lexi wants all the details and my moment of wisdom lasted approximately 22 seconds.

Or sometimes, we’ll be walking along in CVS buying some body wash and there’ll be tampons on the end cap and Emma asks me if they hurt. “No,” I say, “but I did wear only pads for a long time.” And then she sees candy on the next aisle and says, “Mom can I pleeeasse have a snickers bar?” I say no and we’ve moved on from the mother-daughter bonding.

We’ll be driving to church and Lexi will share a scary dream she had the night before and how scared she was. I’ll remind her to pray and repeat 2 Timothy 1:7 any time she’s scared. Angels are protecting her. “I know, Mom,” she says before continuing, “Can we go to the gas station after church and get a slushie?” I didn’t get a full lesson on fear and angels before slushies.

That’s how parenting older kids has gone. In bits.

Sure, we do devotions at night and talk about children’s church from Sunday, but I’ve found most of my teaching has been the crevices. And I didn’t expect that at all.

It’s ok, though, because in my experience, God parents in bits too.

Sometimes as his children we get a little disappointed he doesn’t come down and lay it all out for us. We want all the answers to all our questions now and in 12 pt font and double-spaced, please. But from my experience as his child and as a parent myself, it’s in these bits God reveals his character and his wisdom.

I’ll be driving the kids to school and the sun cresting through the trees catches my eye. God reminds me he created another day, he’s a beautiful artist and he loves me. I turn into the car line and remind the girls to take their lunch boxes and thank God for another day.

I’ll be standing at the dryer thinking about how much it stings a friend hurt me and he simply says, “Forgive because you’re been forgiven.” I find the last matching pair of socks, breathe deeply and decide I will.

I love to stop and study about Jesus, but these small moments when he breathes truth remind me he’s walking with me. He’s not a God only on the page, but in my heart, going along and showing me himself. I’m grateful he chooses moments.

And so I realize although parenting isn’t going quite how I expected, it’s beautiful and just how it ought to be.

What I Wore Wednesday: 09.25.2013

September 25, 2013 by Amy 4 Comments

It’s Wednesday when I share my outfits from the week.

I pair my outfits with inspirational photos. Read more about that here.

Email and RSS readers need to click over to the site to see the inspirational photos.

You know I had to wear my Stitch Fix shirt right away! I paired it with a coral necklace and neutral shoes like the style card suggested.

And just because they entertained me, I thought I’d share some extra shots we took that night. You can see my silly girls with their silly poses in action.

I sort of thought we were doing nice family photos but clearly they had other plans. Welcome to my world, friends.

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Linked with:

The Pleated Poppy’s What I Wore Wednesday

When You Think You Have Nothing to Offer

September 24, 2013 by Amy 2 Comments

I’m over at Ashley Brooks’ place today talking about writing an e-book. Even if you’re not writing a book, I think we can all relate to feeling like we have nothing to offer. Would love for you to hop over and say hello.

What’s holding you back from writing an e-book? Time? Money? Know-how?

For me, it was the belief that my e-book wouldn’t make a difference.

Eight years ago I had an emotional affair. Years after it was over and my marriage was restored, I felt led to write the journey we had taken and lessons we had learned. I was nervous about sharing my story because no one knew, but I was also convinced it wouldn’t matter.

I told myself my story wasn’t that big of a deal, that I didn’t write well enough to write an e-book, that no one would read it even if I did. I mean, who was I?

In my head, I imagined I would write the book, my friends and family would learn of my mistakes and shun me and then everyone else wouldn’t care. All that work and there would be no point but more pain.

When it launched, however, I found quite the opposite.

Read the rest over at Ashley’s blog.

Our Weekend and the Start of Something New

September 23, 2013 by Amy 4 Comments

Please skip to the end for a question if you’re skimming 🙂

After my post on Friday, I’m glad to report that this weekend was just what I needed.

Friday night Scott and I were able to have a quick, last-minute date night at one of our favorite restaurants in Charlotte to use up an expiring LivingSocial deal. We ate fast and didn’t stay long but the food was scrumptious and it was just nice to get dressed up and do something different.

Saturday we spent most of the day with my friend Dani and her family who just moved over an hour away. The kids totally disappeared for the day to play dress up and choreograph dance routines. We got to catch up the entire afternoon after all our missed coffee dates and enjoy a yummy dinner together.

The sugar-laden kids couldn’t help but photobomb our picture at Sonic

Among other things, I think they’ve helped us find just the thing that’s going to snap me out of my poor eating and exercise habits I talked about on Friday.

Scott and I both signed up for 24-Day Challenge (and as distributors) with AdvoCare.

Now, don’t worry, I’m not here to sell you on anything (although I will) but I do want to share this journey with you.

So what is AdvoCare? Basically, it’s a nutritional company. The idea is to add things like probiotics, Omega3 fatty acids and cleansing products to make your body function properly. For some, it’s a weight loss program, but for many, it’s simply a way to make your body perform at its highest level.

While I am concerned I’ve gained a few pounds, I’m mostly concerned I’m addicted to sugar and I know I’m not feeding my body the proper nutrients. If I never lose a pound, I NEED to eat better.

My family is wrought with cancer and diabetes and strokes and heart problems. I’m not getting younger over here and I need to be smart about the choices I make.

Plus, I know a lot of this brain fog and memory problems are likely due to the sugar as well. I just know if I can kick that and add in these products, I’ll be feeling 100% better.

What is the 24-Day Challenge? The 24-Day Challenge is a sort of kick-off to the AdvoCare program. You can get products and use them without doing the challenge. The challenge puts a set of products together for you in two phases that puts everything in to high-gear (forgive me, this is my newbie explanation). The first is a 10 day cleansing cycle and then the second is called the Max Phase where it really ramps up your metabolism.

Can I do this without AdvoCare? Absolutely. I’ve eaten clean before and stayed on a good exercise routine. However, this time I need help. I can’t seem to kick it on my own. This will put me on a regimen that will keep me accountable and give me extra tools to be successful.

Scott is doing this with me and I’m really excited to have something to do together.

We ordered all the products this weekend and plan to start later in the week.

Here’s my question:

I’ve thought about sharing frequent video updates from both of us as we go on the Facebook page and doing intermittent blog posts to share any progress. I even wanted to see if anyone wanted to do the 24 day challenge with us. I know it’s perfect timing for me as I head to Allume next month. We could wait and all start together if so?

Or, I can just update you at the end and let you know how it went. I really don’t want to sound sales pitchy and feel like I’m taking advantage of your time. Although, believe me, if this helps, I will sing its praises.

So, tell me. Do you want all the nitty gritty details from us as we go or just an update at the end?

Struggling: A Confession

September 20, 2013 by Amy 7 Comments

I lost a very important piece of paper yesterday and it left me panicky and feeling irresponsible and flighty.

Today I couldn’t find some medicine for our dog and I still can’t find it and it’s making me feel unorganized and not-together.

Other parts of life are feeling out of control.

Let’s start with food.

I was doing really well at the beginning of this year with all my P90Xing. I lost a bunch of weight. I was in my happy place, feeling great.

And then Spring popped up. Sunshine! Heat! The pool! P90X. Nobody had time for Tony and exercise bands anymore.

I never lose weight from exercising, but it does make me eat well so when I stopped exercising, I quit eating well. Add in summer vacations and celebrations and I gained all the weight back and then some more. Maybe you can tell, maybe you can’t. But I can. The only upside is I have boobs that are bigger than at least SOME 6th graders.

Normally I can snap myself out of a sugar addiction and get back on track. I throw the Mountain Dews and ice creams and cookies and cupcakes back onto the “No” list and start chomping on carrots again. But this time? It’s like I know how hard it is to let it go and eat well and I just don’t have the fortitude to make myself do it. Plus, Pumpkin Spice Lattes are just yummy.

My poor diet is making me tired and lazy and exercising sounds like a terrible idea even though I know how desperately I need to given my desk job.

Let’s not discuss the financial implications of these bad habits. Starbucks for breakfast? Sure! Milkshakes for dessert? Yes please! Taco Bell for lunch? I do hear that bell ringing.

Our finances have not been properly monitored for months now. We got hit with too many fees this summer just because I wasn’t paying attention and didn’t have the right money in the right place soon enough. Unexpected medical bills threw me off kilter.

That made me feel very irresponsible and icky too.

The seasons changing always makes me feel a little depressed. Addie Zimmerman called it Septembering yesterday. I relate to that even though mine doesn’t hit hard until we start Decembering.

Yesterday morning I forgot Emma’s Silk chocolate milk from her lunch and normally I’d just let her skip having it but I drove to the school at lunch and gave it to her. I was screwing some things up but missing milk? I could fix that. She’d have her milk, oh yes.

The tears I blame on PMS but the feelings are in there.

Inadequate, unorganized, undisciplined, lazy.

I’d like to say they’re lies but I don’t know. In some ways, they’re true.

Lysa TerKeurst posted this last night after ruminating on a lot of this:

God is okay with me even when I’m not okay with me. And that’s a beautiful truth.

That IS a beautiful truth.

What areas of life are you struggling with right now?

Stitch Fix #8

September 19, 2013 by Amy 15 Comments

After last month’s Stitch Fix delivery, I really wasn’t sure I’d go for #8 but another credit showed up (THANK YOU) and I couldn’t resist.

I’m so glad I did because this one was way, way better.

#1 Opaque Faceted Gems & Rhinestones Necklace

First up is this necklace. It was at the top of the box when I opened it and I oohed and aahed. I think it’s really pretty but I’m not sold on the colors.

$34

#2 Rossi Polka Dot Print Neck-Tie Blouse

I was a little annoyed this blouse showed up. I told them in my feedback after last month I didn’t want any blouses with a neck tie. However, the polka dots are insanely cute. And if you can’t tell, this makes me feel like a nerdy librarian and let’s be honest, it’s not too far from the truth.

I feel like TiffanyD could pull this shirt off with some glamour but I’m not sure I can.

$48

#3 Ivy Zig-Zag Print Tab-Sleeve Blouse

If you can’t tell, I like this one. It has color, it has a pattern, it’s not tight, I like where it hits on my hips. I know I’d wear this a lot. My only concern with a shirt like this is it won’t stay in style for very long.

$68

#4 Larsen Heart & Stripe Print Sweater

Y’all. After last month’s flamingo fiasco, I nearly laughed out loud when I found almost the exact same sweater except with hearts on it. And most of you don’t know this about me, but I’m not a big fan of hearts. They certainly have grown on me in the past years, but listen, I would NEVER wear this sweater. Never. Plus, it’s too small. And just for the record, that’s what sarcasm looks like on my face.

$68

#5 Denna Colored Skinny Jean

So that is my suck-in-my-gut face and the one above it is I’m-not-really-sure-about-these-pants face. I love that Bella is in front of me, like I’m not really sure about these either.

These were actually really comfortable and I pinky swear I’m going to lose a few pounds for the winter so they won’t be quite so tight. I love the color and the length is perfect for me. Even if I don’t keep these, they’ve definitely convinced me to buy some colored jeans.

$78

I have $30 credit so I’m for sure keeping some things. With Allume coming up, I’m willing to spend a little extra so I can wear it there and don’t have to go shopping beforehand. I *think* the blue one is a keeper and I’m debating the polka dot blouse and pants. I think the polka dot shirt would actually look good with the jeans as my stylist recommended.

You guys are always so good to help me pick though. What do you think?

If you want to see my other fixes go here:

Twitterature – September 2013

September 16, 2013 by Amy 16 Comments

I’m once again joining with Modern Mrs. Darcy for her monthly link-up for books called Twitterature. The premise of this link-up is to share short, casual reviews of books we’ve been reading.

(affiliate links included below – thanks for supporting this site!)

My reading got a little put off by one book that I trudged through and then my marathon viewing of Scandal. Still, I was able to cross off a few this month. Let’s get to it!

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

I mentioned last month I picked the first Harry Potter up second-hand to preview in case my daughters wanted to read it.

I feel like such a bad reader but I couldn’t stand this book. I feel like I might be pelted by a gaggle of sorcerer stones any minute. I respect Rowling’s ability to create likable characters and an interesting new world but I just wasn’t hooked in the least.

If I weren’t such a stickler about finishing books I start and previewing it for the girls, I would have dropped it midway. I don’t have too many qualms about the girls reading it if they want I suppose. Just not for me. Maybe I’ll still pick up the audio book at some point and see if it changes my mind.

Undaunted: Daring to Do What God Call You to Do

I saw Christine Caine three years ago at Catalyst. She made a mark on me then and did it again with her debut novel Undaunted. Part memoir and part inspiration, this book leaves you emboldened to do whatever God calls you to.

Eleanor & Park

I read Eleanor & Park at Anne’s recommendation. She’s calling it one of her favorites for the year. I don’t think this beats The Fault in Our Stars for me but if you like Young Adult fiction at all, you’re going to want to pick this one up. Incredibly charming and gritty all at once. Lots of language I wasn’t a big fan of but there was a truthiness to it that led me to give it a pass. My only issue is the ending. As cheesy as it might have been, I wanted a cleaner, happier ending.

I’m currently in the midst of listening to Tina Fey’s Bossypants and reading Jesus > Religion by Jeff Bethke, Anything by Jennie Allen and Jodi Picoult’s Keeping Faith.

Have you read any of these? What’s your latest favorite book?