Fall and Winter Scarf Guide 2017

one, two, three, four, five, six

Scarf season is definitely here for the most of us and I know how hard it can be to find a good scarf with both good quality and style. Last year, I put together a scarf guide and while those styles are still available this season, the exact links and items may not be available. So, I went online and searched some of my favorite stores for some great scarves, and good news: I found some great ones! 

When it comes to finding a scarf you love, you want to be able to choose one (or plenty!) according to YOUR style. Do you like bold patterns or do you prefer simple? Does the color red just sit in your closet and never get worn? If so, don't opt for red in an accessory, because you may never even wear it. Do you hate to wear big bulky scarves, but really like the look of them? The good thing about them is that they can be brought along as a blanket or wrap and don't have to be tied up like a scarf! I'd suggest getting that pattern that you really love (even if it's a tad too bold for you) because people will notice and wish they had that really great "blanket" you're wearing! 

The places that I prefer to shop for scarves are usually Nordstrom, Old Navy, and Target. When shopping Nordstrom, always look for the ones under or around $25. Nordstrom's quality is wonderful and you also get free shipping, so you really are getting a good deal! 

Old Navy offers so many different colors and styles! Plus they are almost always having a sale, so you're not paying much for your cold weather accessories. 

And Target is... well, Target. ;) 
Other options I would suggest are Charming Charlie, H&M, and for a bit more pricey of an option: JCrew Factory. 

One last thing: plaids and leopards are my favorite choices for scarves and blankets (but you could probably tell from the picture..), but that does not mean that you have to keep to those patterns alone! Sure they are great fall/winter looks, but you can most definitely choose bright colors if you love them! 

Play around on the stores' websites. There's still plenty more options to choose from!
Happy shopping! :)

Gift Guide/Wish List 2016

It's that (WONDERFUL) time of year again! You know the one; the one where us girls get to shop all we want for our friends, families, and ourselves! I've rounded some amazing deals (all less than $50!) for you to add to your wish lists this Christmas!

Finding the perfect gift can be difficult, but us Instagram gals have your back! (I have linked other blog posts with other gift guides below for extra help!) 

Whether you are a girly girl, a beauty lover, coffee addict (raises hand here!), or just love pretty things, I hope these can help direct you to some great deals!

one, two, three, 

four, five, six,

seven, eight, nine, 

ten (similar), eleven, twelve

Hayley - The Lovely Arabesque

Lindsay & Whitney - The Double Take Girls

Ashley - Ashley Donielle

Lauren - Simply Lauren Rose

Jesus, Friend of Sinners

 As I was driving home from a church event and dinner with some new friends, I felt such a peace and comfort in my soul that one only gets when feeling completely overfilled with blessings. It was the kind of feeling that makes you want to shout for joy, to sing your heart out in praise to Jesus because He is just SO GOOD. 

I called my mom as I headed home (as I always do), both of us so happy because we had such a great night surrounded by wonderful friends. After we hung up, I turned up the radio and just let the songs sink in and belted my heart out. And then this song came on. And Jesus broke my heart in about five minutes. 

The words were like a gut punch. A slap in the face. A bring you to your knees (except not while you are driving, of course!) kind of break. 

Jesus, friend of sinners, we have strayed so far away

We cut down people in your name but the sword was never ours to swing

Jesus, friend of sinners, the truth's become so hard to see

The world is on their way to you, but they're tripping over me. 

If you were to just sit and let those words soak in, oh what heartbreak you might feel. I'm not talking of the heartbreak that makes you feel ashamed or judged, but the heartbreak of knowing that we will never reach the kind of perfect that He is. This is the kind of heartbreak that is GOOD because it reminds us of how important it is for us to truly love. 

What if we were to let go of our own (unintentional & intentional) selfishness and pride and allow ourselves to feel the kind of love that Jesus has for us, for all of our neighbors? There is not one person that does not deserve grace or mercy from us. While we go through our own troubles, we can still humble ourselves to love someone else because we are no more important than them. Christ has given us the power we need to reach the lost, the broken, & the lonely. He gives us the tools every day and all He asks is that we seek to have hearts like His. We are all no higher than the other. We are all no better than the other. 

So, what is stopping us from living like Jesus? Humility. We aren't asking ourselves to love like Jesus. His love is the only kind of love that will reach the ones who feel unloved, outcasted, the lost-costs. BUT WE, TOO, CAN HAVE THAT KIND OF LOVE. Our God will give us that love if we ask for it. AND WE MUST SHARE THAT LOVE WITH EVERYONE. 

Let our hearts be led by MERCY. Help us reach with open hearts and open doors. 

Oh, Jesus, friend of sinners, break out hearts for what breaks yours. 

Jesus, Friend of Sinners by Casting Crowns

Jesus Friend of sinners we have strayed so far away

We cut down people in your name but the sword was never ours to swing

Jesus friend of sinners the truth's become so hard to see

The world is on their way to You but they're tripping over me

Always looking around but never looking up I'm so double minded

A plank eyed saint with dirty hands and a heart divided

Oh Jesus friend of sinners

Open our eyes to the world at the end of our pointing fingers

Let our hearts be led by mercy

Help us reach with open hearts and open doors

Oh Jesus friend of sinners break our hearts for what breaks yours

Jesus friend of sinners the one who's writing in the sand

Make the righteous turn away and the stones fall from their hands

Help us to remember we are all the least of thieves

Let the memory of Your mercy bring your people to their knees

Nobody knows what we're for only what we're against when we

judge the wounded

What if we put down our signs crossed over the lines and love like

You did

Oh Jesus friend of sinners

Open our eyes to the world at the end of our pointing fingers

Let our hearts be led by mercy

Help us reach with open hearts and open doors

Oh Jesus friend of sinners break our hearts for what breaks yours

You love every lost cause; you reach for the outcast

For the leper and the lame; they're the reason that You came

Lord I was that lost cause and I was the outcast

But you died for sinners just like me a grateful leper at Your feet

'Cause You are good, You are good And Your love endures forever

You are good, You are good and Your love endures forever

Oh Jesus friend of sinners

Open our eyes to the world at the end of our pointing fingers

Let our hearts be led by mercy

Help us reach with open hearts and open doors

Oh Jesus friend of sinners break our hearts for what breaks Yours

And I was the lost cause and I was the outcast

You died for sinners just like me, a grateful leper at Your feet

FALL 2016 STYLE GUIDE

one, two, three, four (here, here), 

five, six, seven, eight

one - button downs and flannels are perfect tops to wear in the colder weather. When planning to wear bright or bold accessories, go for a soft, neutral top. And do not be afraid to mix patterns! These days, it is difficult to mess up a pattern mixture! 

two - florals and tortoise are in this season and I could not be any more excited! This necklace has been found at J Crew for a couple of years now, but many places are catching on to the trend and you can get it for a fraction of the cost (seriously, it's only $15 here!). You will be catching all the compliments with this piece!

three - floppy hats... please tell me where we can go wrong with these this season. You can't. 

four - blanket scarves are EVERYWHERE. The problem with this is making sure you are paying a good price for one you will love. As long as you are keeping the price under $25, you are doing great! 

five - my two statement items this fall are floppy hats and handbags. Charming Charlie has so many beautiful and fun bags and the prices are the very best! 

six - ankle boots. Also called, booties. Call them what you will, they are wonderful. You can find them with the heel and without. Bonus: Target has a pair for every occasion. 

seven - my favorite pattern for fall (actually, let's make that every season..) and leopard shoes complete an outfit without even a doubt. You can't go wrong. (I was waiting on class to begin, one day, and there were three of us girls sitting there with leopard shoes. I didn't even know the other girls!) 

eight - last, but not least, vests. My favorite vests are found at J Crew Factory, but the price can be outrageous if you don't hit a sale or have a coupon code and these don't happen weekly, but Old Navy is amazing and has our backs! ;) They offer several colors and fit wonderfully! Definitely a hit! 

 Fall is the perfect time to play dress up. Pick pieces from your own closet and mix and match.Whatever you choose to wear, my advise is to just have fun!