For the Window Shoppers

Just a few things that have caught my eye as of the late.

From Anthropologie ...

Call me old fashioned, but rarely can I pass by a clothing item with both

floral lace and a precious, little bow without falling in like.  More than that, though,  I'm confident this blouse could work for so many occasions.  I'd wear it and love it.

A teapot light fixture, which I envision hanging quite simply

over my breakfast table one day -- or perhaps even a collection of all different

designs and sizes!  The price is a bit much for me at my current stage of life, particularly as  I have no where to hang it.  But perhaps one day,  the Lord will blow me a kiss through a sweet, little sale on Anthropologie.com.  

As long as we're at it with the home decor, this Winifred Settee is quite

picturesque if I do say so myself.  Picture it sitting on a multi-colored rug

resting on a beautiful dark wood floor.  The feet on the coffee table just in front

of this beauty, those are mine -- resting after a long day's work.

Because I'm sure I will need to hang up so many items from my unknown future job,  I'll have these sweet pinwheel pushpins.  And even if there doesn't end up being loads of accumulating paperwork,
an undoubtedly large accumulation of receipts, photographs, recipes and inspirational words of wisdom would make these little pushpins quite a wise investment.

Now this chair will be positioned just to the right of the settee.

Now if only a little baby who looks a little something like this is resting

upon it ... Heaven on earth?

BE MINE, you little cutie patooty.

Ya, he's not from Anthropologie.  But had to include him anyway.

From BHLDN ...

Yes, this is from Anthropologie's new bridal line -- BHLDN.

The bridal gowns themselves are a little out there for my personal taste --

not that I need to be worried about that anytime soon!

But their dresses altogether are quiet exquisite.

From Buggy Brolly via Matchbook Magazine ...

Yes, this is a heart-shaped umbrella.  Cutest, right?  I don't know about

any of you, but while rainy days tend to not rate quite as high

as days filled with summer sun, I feel like having this little number

above my head would make the rainy situation somewhat brighter!

From Barnes and Noble ...

This is truly one of the most incredible children's books I've ever read.  And you can trust me on this one because I've read quite a few.  While the rest of the items listed above would simply be nice additions to my closet and future home, this book is a necessity for every individual's library, in my opinion.  Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom outlines Tubman's inspiration for leading slaves from the south into FREEDOM by means of the Underground Railroad.  The authors did an impeccable job of highlighting Tubman as a devoted servant of the Lord -- surrendering her life to Him for His service and His people. A great reminder of how the Lord seeks to use his children in MIGHTY ways -- no matter how inadequate we may feel!  Buy it.

Stay tuned.
More to come.  All my love!

For the Wedding Enthusiasts

Ridicule me as you will, but I fully admit, I love weddings.  It's just reality -- my reality, at least.  Please note, it is not the beautiful gowns or precious cakes that makes my heart melt so but the incredibly sacred symbol of marriage.  I am no where near tying the knot, which is perfectly fine with me!  So know what I am about to say is not learned wisdom, but simply things I have thought quite a bit about.  To be perfectly honest, I do not even know if marriage is in my future at all, but I trust that the Lord has everything perfectly prepared, "For we are God's masterpiece, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do" (Ephesians 2:10).

Whatever the future may hold, I am confident it is completely fine to rejoice for and with others on the days that mark the beginning of beautiful adventures of love.  To me, marriage should be the closest picture we will ever see on this side of earth of the Lord's unconditional, unfailing love for us.  Obviously our future spouses will not be perfect -- neither are we!  Perfection is not expected whatsoever.  But what a beautiful picture to love someone amidst their imperfections -- exactly how Jesus loves us!  We are so lucky.

One of my favorite pictures of Jesus' love for us is found in Ephesians 5, "Husbands, go all out in your love for your wives, exactly as Christ did for the church—a love marked by giving, not getting. Christ's love makes the church whole. His words evoke her beauty. Everything he does and says is designed to bring the best out of her, dressing her in dazzling white silk, radiant with holiness. And that is how husbands ought to love their wives."

How beautiful!  Anyway, I say all of this because my big sis in my sorority just got engaged this past weekend... I have to share a few of the pictures, because I find them to be absolutely adorable.  :)

She's the cutest thing in the entire world and is going to make the most beautiful bride ever!  I'm so happy for her and her wonderful fiance!  It is my prayer that the Lord would already begin to prepare their hearts for the gift of marriage and bless them in more ways than thought possible.

Now let's bet honest, I would be lying to say it is because of my big getting engaged that I just began to think about weddings.  That's definitely not true.  I think about them often.  Martha Stewart Weddings is one of my favorite websites.  In fact I would absolutely love to do an internship with the lovely Martha Stewart company at some point.  How incredible would that be?!  Nonetheless, I want to share a few of my favorite wedding pictures and sites for those of you who share this sweet affinity...

First of all, we have the one and only "Up" themed engagement and wedding photos.  If you loved the movie, you're sure to tear up at these precious shots.  Wildflowers Photography is undoubtedly one of my favorite photography sites, and I highly encourage you to check it out.  She is able to capture the sentiments of everything that love should be.  Such a gift.

Some of my other favorite photos come from a variety of locations... Martha Stewart Weddings, Style Me Pretty, and other seemingly random locations.  Wherever they originated, I know you'll enjoy them!

So much love!  I'm kind of obsessed.  If you too enjoy these things, please check out the following websites.  You'll fall in love... Wedding Gawker, Style Me Pretty, Project Wedding, Green Wedding Shoes, and June Bug Weddings.

Best of luck to those of you planning weddings in your near future.  And for the rest of us, may we simply embrace every moment the Lord has given us on this earth, whether we're single, dating, or married!  I figure life will be much more enjoyable that way... :)

All my love! 

For the Fashion Aficionados

                    

   

The precious autumn air is almost in our midst -- what a beloved season for all of society.  The leaves begin to change colors.  Pumpkin Spice Lattes are available again at Starbucks.  (I must admit, I am not a Pumpkin Spice girl, but I totally recognize it is close the heart of many.  For a boost of caffeine that you're sure to love, I recommend a Starbucks Soy/No Water Chai Tea Latte.  It's Christmas in a cup, I tell you.)  I diverge.  Fashion.  Let's get to it.

My personal go-to locations for all your back-to-school/anytime shopping endeavors are as follows: J. Crew (fabulous), Anthropologie, Target, Gap, Urban and your occasional rando little-known shops with incredible finds.  Now I must make myself clear, when I say I adore these sweet stores, I do; however, you must know I am the ultimate bargain shopper.  With that being said, I am also a definite proponent of budgeting and remaining without debt.  My sweet mommy and daddy have taught me well!  So while shopping is a lovely way to spend an afternoon, I would suggest against it if you are unable to shop without purchasing.  But if you are one such individual, fear not.  Begin to think of shopping as an art form.  When you go to an art gallery, you don't always purchase the art, do you?  Most of the beauty of it is found in simply looking.  Ponder that.

ALSO... Thanks to my precious friend Amy, who sadly does not blog, I have discovered a fabulous new site with many reasonable and chic finds -- Etsy.com.  Many of the items on this post I found via Etsy, and I highly recommend giving it a little look see.

Now let's begin...  The following are my top 10 favorite finds from 2010 plus others... Links Included:)

Sweet Cinderella Top from Etsy.com

Who doesn't a reminder of picture perfect love -- even in this not so perfect world?

Flouncy Skirt for all your Fall Flirtatious Desires

Would be the perfect skirt for a variety of occasions -- coupled with boots or heels. Courtesy of Anthropolgie.

Perfect Shade of Yellow

I have found yellow is a rather hard color to pull off -- particularly in the fall.  But I feel like this would be the perfect dress for galavanting around town or walking to work -- just pair it with tall brown boots and a colored sweater.  So J. Crew for half the price... :)  And it comes in a variety of colors.

Thank you Etsy.com

Because everyone needs a casual black dress.

Thanks J. Crew.

Could you ask for any sassier heels??

Etsy.com and VERY reasonably priced, I might add!

Precious for tea and crumpets with the in-laws or pair it with a cardigan for the first day of work!

Another fabulous find from Etsy.com

What woman doesn't enjoy a cuddly vest?  Perfect for cool autumn air or layered for that frigid winter chill.  It looks so fashionable yet incredibly comfy... Win win situation for everyone!  Found at Gap.com

Sweet skimmers for your everyday flats.

They're also on SALE.  Get 'em before they're gone from Anthro.

I realize these creamy wedges may be a bit summery for your autumn desires.  But they're both on sale and absolutely precious.  Anthropologie once again.  PS -- For all you Oklahomans out there, Anthropologie will open its first Sooner location in Tulsa, Oklahoma sometime this fall.  I cannot wait! 

Now I will be honest with you,  I could never pull this little number off, but it was far too cute for me to pass up.  So if you have the body of a stick figure (no offense), give it a try!