JOY.

Good Morning All! It's finally Friday and I am so filled with excitement today. There are a lot of things that I want to say. Some things are legit on my heart and other things I want to share just because they bring me joy.

First of all: what's on my heart. I have been thinking about this lately and have to share- I am blessed to be a stepmom. Kids are what bring me the MOST happiness in life. I have always loved being a nanny and feel in love with a man {4 years ago} that had a little lady in his life. When I met her, she was only 2 years old and just considered me a friend or a playmate. As the years have went on I have became even more important than just that. I have became her stepmom. This role is probably one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my life. Each day we come across challenges and various obstacles-but this little girl reminds me of one important thing all the time. How important following Jesus is! She tells us about church and sings songs about God all of the time. She is my main encourager to go to church and I am so grateful for that! Sometimes kids can teach us a thing or two about life-and she continues to do that! Also- I am grateful for her mom and our relationship- I am thankful that I am so lucky to know them both :)

Secondly: I am grateful for all of the WONDERFUL Ladies in my life. Tonight I am looking forward to dinner with some of my favorite childhood friends and sister/friend :) AND for the past month-or more- I have looking forward to a reunion in about two weeks with my wonderful college roommates. These relationships are so important to me and I am glad to share some time with these gals.

Third:  but NOT least. Jake and I have been married for a year. It has been such a year of growth. I am soo happy to see us growing stronger as a couple and preparing (mentally at this point) for adding to our Gilbert Clan. SO excited to see how our relationship has grown and changed.

Finally: the last thing that I wanted to mention that is bringing me JOY on this beautiful Friday is the fact that I know I am getting a haircut next week. WAHOO. My dear husband loves the long hair-but it has to go. Shorter hair is what I need. Here are some of the ideas I have (NOT THE LIGHTER COLOR though): I want hair I can style. Hair I can get untangled. it is time.

Love the length. Like the look.

 

 

 

Love the long angled bob.

 

Alright Everyone. That's all for today. Things that are bringing me JOY today. Be sure to remember its the small things- and....

 

 

 

 

 

 

{all images courtesy of Pinterest}

 

 

My Closet {What's New & Re-Organize}

Last weekend my sister and I ventured off to Somerset Mall. Usually we just go to whatever stores are close-but we wanted to go somewhere different- so we drove a little further and made plans to make a half-day of it.

So here's a look at what I picked up on my trip.

{What's New}

Bejeweled Sweater

 

This little number is a fun way to dress up. I find myself wanting to wear hoodies every cold weekend-this feels like a hoodie-and looks like one with a little glam. I prefer this look with skinny jeans and a casual bun.

 

Frayed Spotted Scarf

 

I love this simple scarf. I have lots in my closet with heavy patterns and lots of color. I love the mellow color and minimal pattern of this one. It goes soo nicely with gold jewelry. Perfect for early fall.

 

Chic Lariat Necklace

 

I have been on a statement necklace kick for months. and I still do love them. BUT the simplicity of this necklace is stunning. It goes with just about anything and is a perfect work piece.

 

 

TOMS- Black Canvas Women's Classics

 

These shoes have been on my wish list for years. People had them in college and I loved the one for one movement and I thought the shoes were cute too-but I had no money! This year I was contemplating what casual shoes to get for fall. I basically had three-in my mind-to choose from: these, moccasins', or Sperry's. I had moccasins and Sperry's in my closet already- and I love what Toms is all about. So I went for these bad boys. They are actually really comfy and my favorite fall purchase this far!

 

 

{Re-Organize}

 

 

As I was putting away my new purchases, I realized that I have quite a few items in my closet. Some cute items, some not-so-cute things. My plan for this next weekend is to organize and donate whatever I am not going to be wearing. I read an article that said once an item is out of site in your closet you forget about it. I believe that. So I am going to check out what I really have in there and see how I can make the most of my wardrobe! I challenge you to do the same- I have already realized I have 3 Gray sweaters...that are basically the same! *side note-this trip was prior to deciding I was taking part in a short-term budget ;)

 

 

 

 

 

 

A "Fall-Ready" Home

This weekend I finally made it to Bath and Body Works to get some essentials to make my house ready for fall. I am on a semi-budget right now since I know we have our anniversary trip in a few weeks and a college roommate reunion in Chicago two weeks after that! I decided that I would spend around $20 and just get the house a little more cozy for the colder weather.

What I did with $25:
(technically $35 but they have a 10 off coupon out right now)

1. Wall Flower Bulb

This scent is amazing. It smells exactly like fall. I have it in my bathroom-which is next to our side door- when you walk in our home smells cozy. Its worth $6.50- but you do need the actual wall flower as well. (I already had one-they are around $5)

2. Mason Jar Candles

These are great-not only do they smell awesome, but candles give that relaxed vibe. I probably wouldn't have bought a candle with my budget, but they were 2 for $15. ALMOST buy one get one free. (retail price is 12.50 each) Its worth it. You'll love them.

3. Fall Soap

If you aren't going to get anything else fall for your house-at least get a nice scented soap. I opted for the Halloween version-its cute, decorative, and smells wonderful. $5.50 spruces up your bathroom instantly.

4. Scentportable

I love these for my car. I had a summer-themed one and now I have a fun Cheetah print Scentportable. They are around $5 and the scents for them are $3.50-my car smells delicious, I am definitely a fan.

So there you go- for under $30 you can have your home smelling and looking great for fall ;)

Making Time & Perspective

"Make time for everyone in your life. Make time for the walk in the park, the cup of coffee, the glass of wine, the phone conversation." - a post from Mary Schmidt.

I came across an article last week that was mentioned in another blog I read, the article is basically notes from various people the writer knows giving her advice of ways to live life at 25 years old. Some of the "notes" I loved, others I didn't care for-but the quote mentioned above stuck with me. We are now at an age that we are mature enough to know what really matters. We may not have it all together, but we are starting to get the right ideas. People in your life are the greatest gifts we are given. Making time for others, carving out time, is really what makes life worthwhile. It's all about perspective!

I was recently working on a list of fall essentials/shopping list for the change of seasons. The list began to overwhelm me, so I decided to make a "need" & "want" column to help me re-focus.  The funny thing is, once I did this I began to realize that there was not one item that I needed, but many things that I wanted. The stress that I felt came from this list began to melt away when I realized that the items on the list wouldn't change my life-
People and how we impact them is what really matters, time spend with family and friends is what makes our lives beautiful. All the "glitter" makes things fun, enjoyable, and memorable-and I enjoy things. You know I really do, or I wouldn't write about clothes and décor and stuff in general. I just thought today was a good day to remind us to put things into perspective! Enjoy the small things-because the rest is just "fluff" - fun and enjoyable-but just fluff. ;)