Weekly Surf + Date Night Duds:

We're in TEXAS!

We're staying with dear friends Aaron & Morgan! They've taken us to some of the neatest restaurants, parks, vintage clothing stores, & coffee shops. It's been so fun! We're both feeling so much peace and encouragement. We're walking in the truth that fear is not of God and that if we're walking with Him, our steps will be made in confidence and He will guide us, protect us and grace us with new friends along the way. (We still haven't talked about a lot of key components concerning this position, so a lot is still up in the air, but I do feel like, if we stay in Vegas, I'm going to want to hug my friends and family so much tighter. The thoughts I've had of losing them, or not being near them have made me realize how dear they are to me....So guys, IF I HUG YOU EXTRA LONG NEXT TIME I SEE YOU, AND IT GETS A LITTLE WEIRD, JUST GO WITH IT..... ) We're at the point in this decision, that if we stay in Vegas, or go to Austin, we're totally OK with either one. We're trusting God and leaning into him. We're excited.

Thanks for all of the prayers and great advice about the potential move to TX.

I'll let you know what the verdict is shortly.

Anyway....

Here's what I wore for our date the other day.

Nothing too fancy.

{Jessi, I need a spray tan)

I am wearing:

Lace Cardigan & Pearls: (Mom's closet)

Shorts: hand me downs

Plaid button up: Thrifted (Men's Section)

Leather Loafers: Lands End (Thrifted)

{Kisses to Mom. I think of you when I wear this necklace! Love you!!}

Weekly Surf:

a beautiful bed made of trees

an impressive collection

dressing animals in ridiculous hats is a-OK in my book

somethin' real funky to run to this weekend

I plan on buying up a ton of these for my next pregnancy!

love these photos & these photos

one of the coolest songs I've heard in a long while

sung by Ryan Gosling

If you're a wifey, read this

A post wouldn't be a post without a photo of the tiny-man-sandwich....
(sleepy head after his nap!)

{Have a great weekend dolls.}

Summer Fashion Week:

It was a lot of fun to leave comments and encourage other fashionistas, and fun to get feed back as well!

I didn't want it to end, so I decided to post one last outfit (until fall fashion week!)

I made a lot of new bloggy buddies and can't wait to continue reading your blogs! Yippy!

Thanks Emery for hosting, once again, another fun fashion week!

Today we went to Town Square for free movie day. It was Conrad's first time going to the movies.

He was pretty aw struck and didn't quite know what to make of thevery-large "tv" infront of him.

I wore this comfy skirt (with pockets) and this yellow top.

{I'm pretty positive that my son is the only person who would crack up at the hideous, lips-over-the teeth face his mother is making. The kid can't resist a crazy person bulging their eyes out of their head!}

I am wearing:

Top: Banana Republic (thrifted)

Skirt: H&M

Sandals: Candy's

What are you wearing today?

Summer Fashion Week: Friday

I had a boudoir shoot today. On the drive there,  I was talking with a friend on the phone she asked me if seeing nakedness ever makes me feel uncomfortable, and I said, "At first, yeah, when you have to lift some one's boob up or adjust their lingerie, you don't want to seem "pervie" or intrusive, But now I don't at all. If you've seen one boob, you've seen'em all!" I think her imagining me lifting some one's boob up made her laugh. I was like, "What?! I'm serious! I lift boobs! What's funny?" The positioning of the "girls" can get a little tricky, especially when the subject is posed and can't move them on her own.... 

.....moving right along

 Woman really are some of my favorite subjects to photograph.

So I wore this little number. Comfy stretchy-skinny jeans make it easy to bend. 

And my signature, boring pony tail braid makes me look like a ten year old. It's whatever.

I am wearing:

Jeans: machine jeans

Belt: f21

Necklace: gifted from mom. Express. 

She's always got good taste. you know how she do. 

{Don't forget to check out what the other ladies are wearing today!}

Another pretty lady I got to shoot this week:

This sassy, little red head is Jessica. She needs to quit it. Hot damn. 

Yep, she's my friend, & I love her!


(the photos are a little out of focus, but I think that's just part of their charm.)

Summer Fashion Week: Thursday

{I just wanted to start by letting you lovely ladies know that your comments yesterday, your words of encouragment, and prayers really meant a lot to me. You guys are amazing.

Thank you.}

We spent the afternoon celebrating our friend Adam's birthday at

Sarah's parents house and went swimming.

I ate way too much cake...

Here's what I wore to camouflage my "cake" belly.

(Sorry about the photo quality. Darn you auto focus!)

*I really LOVE the back of the romper.

(Please ignore the statue pose. I'm not sure what's going on with my arms....)

I am wearing:
Romper: Khols

Shoes: Old Navy

Earrings: F21

Bracelet: Africa

And for your listening pleasure, Here is my favorite running song as of late.

*I was going to take a close up of my shoes, but thought you might get grossed out. I've got a missing toe nail. No worries, I painted over the skin with nail polish to fool anyone who might notice.

Summer Fashion Week: Wednesday

I had lots to do today. I took my friend Bobbie to her chemo appointment and sat with her laughing my butt off and making fun of her, telling the nurses that the only way she's been able to cope with her cancer is by delving deeper into her hard-core addiction to the "crack rock". I emphasized the words, "crack-rock" to make sure they knew I was kidding, but she sure as hell got a kick out of it. "She's been hitting it hard", I warned the nurses. And of course, she busted up laughing and I got slapped!

She smiled at Conrad as he toddled around. The drugs kicked in and she quickly started to fall asleep, (lying there for 3 hours receiving her chemo). My humor was only a band-aid and when it was ripped off, I knew the pain of the situation, of sitting in a room full of comfortably padded reclining chairs, the place where those who are sick come to get well, in hopes that their cancer would die. That room was weighing heavy on my heart. I hated her sitting in that chair. This place wasn't comfortable at all. When I noticed that she was almost completely unconscious, I stole a kiss and said "love you."

I'm trying to be strong, but I think I've cried more than she has.

The lump was thick in my throat as I walked out of that hospital with my baby on my hip.

I'm still believing God and praying for a recovery.

(That was earlier this week.)

We had a wonderful conversation today on the phone and hearing her laugh, hearing her affirm me in Christ, hearing her encourage me to pursue Jesus with all that is within me makes me feel like this is what life is really all about. She gives me energy and ignites a fire in me. When I hear this song, I can't help but think of her because she so ferociously loves the Lord and I'm certain I've never seen someone so radiantly, and genuinely BE WHO THEY ARE, and yet completely want to be just like Jesus too. It's like seriously the most beautiful thing in the world to watch.

I've seen people shake their fist at God in anger about the situations that left them feeling like they were given the short end of the stick. I've seen marriages fall apart because of adultery, and parents shun their children because they are gay, or sickness that makes people feel defeated. People have lots of reason to hate God. People have lots of reasons to say "Why would God let this happen to me!" Well folks, I've had lots of shitty things happen to me too, and maybe it's my "child like faith" that says, "God's got a reason for this horrible situation." But, I can encourage you in saying that even when I've been through my darkest of days, He's shown up. He's taken me through it. He is good. My heart rests in that truth tonight. Maybe His fame is greater than mine?

I kind of feel like a faith that says "my life is all about my comfort or my happiness" is a self- based faith that is only going to be leaving you feeling like you've-got-to-take-a-crap-in-the-middle-of-the-night-on-a-camping trip and can't find your flash light-and your toilet papers all used up! Who wants to poop in a bush in the dark?

I'm just saying. Life isn't always comfortable or pretty. It's not about you. It's not about how hot your ass is or how great you are at ________ . You're not that cool! (that was me giving me a reality check. Please ignore and read on.)

Mostly I am just inspired by the fact that Bobbie hasn't yet given God the finger because her of cancer. She's leaned on him hard and has gotten to feel him pressing back into her. It has been such a great example to me. I feel deaf and dumb when I physically see that faith lived out in front of my face. When I see her saying, "Whatever you want Lord. Have your way!" It's just stupid. It's insane and all encompassing to me. It's incredible. I want to just squeeze her shoulders and say to her, "God I love you, you crazy bitch. You're insane!!" (believe me, I've done that very thing! Hallelujah, Jesus! God is so good to give me such an amazing friend.) I'm so so grateful to get to be apart of her healing. I'm so grateful that God hears us when we cry out.

I'm so glad that her tumor is shrinking.

Oh Jesus, heal her! I pray that she gets to stay with us on earth and have tons of beautiful grand babies and I don't care if you think I'm selfish. I want that cancer gone!

On a much more UN-important note, I'm wearing this:

I am wearing:

Shirt: Old Navy

Belt: Gap

Necklace: Khol's

Jeans: Diesel

Flippy flops: Target

I really can't say enough of how good God is.

I'm overwhelmed.

Thank you ladies for praying with me. Prayer changing things.

I can't thank you enough.

Summer Fashion Week: Tuesday

(I like these shorts because the legs kind of balloon out and they're super comfy. 

My Mom was stumped as to what to pair them with, but this blue fluffy shirt looks fun with it.

 Although I kind of think I should be juggling, or balancing something on my head...Clowns aren't the only ones who wear ruffles! Ruffles are in right? )

This was the perfect outfit for the movies. We went on a double date with Adam & Sarah

 to see Eclipse for the {second} time. It's that good y'all. 

{team Edward...}

I am wearing: 

Shorts: Anthropologie (Mom's closet!) 

Shirt: Buffalo Exchange (Mom's closet!)  
If I can tuck a shirt in, I do. I think tucked in shirts make petite people not look like trolls. 
That's what I'm going for with the tucked in shirt. 

Shoes & Belt: Old Navy

*It's really awesome that we can share and play dress up together. But it's TOO bad I can't keep these shorts forever. Borrowing is fun, but owning them and wearing them til' the seams fall apart is much better. So If you leave a comment, her name is CINDI, she's my mom and her closet and sense of style would make you sick. I love her to pieces. I think I should start a blog for her to show case all of her adorable little outfits.... 

Thanks Mom.  


{Don't forget to check out what the other ladies are wearing!}

Summer Fashion Week: Monday

Today we went thrifting with my Mom and Granny. We ate some yummy breakfast afterwards and spent the rest of the day at the M pool with Bobbie and her family. It was a wonderful weekend.

I like the top. It ties in a big bow on the side which is pretty flattering.

I am wearing:

Top & Flower hair clippy: Anthropologie 

Shorts: Old Navy

Old Lady Loafers: Thrifted

Fish Locket necklace: Thrifted (a few years ago)

And for good measure, the guys wanted to take a photo to show off what they're wearing. 

They are looking rather dapper if you ask me. 

{what are you wearing today?} 

Emery is hosting another fashion week. 

Do join in on the fun!

Weekly Surf:

Check out my guest post over at the city cradle

balloons done beautifully at a wedding

Oh, the possibilities of insta-film

obsessed with these hair bows

I am LOVING Kate's hair in these photos

watermelon/mint Popsicles Yum!

Next week is summer fashion week! Are you in?

Conrad & I met some of my girlfriends at the M pool yesterday and had a great time. I wore this comfy, tunic button up dress that I thrifted a few weeks ago (for $3.00) with an old belt and this floppy red hat! The tunic is a size 8 which is why It needed a belt. Like I said, never look at sizes!

I am wearing:

Hat & Flip flops: Target

Tunic Dress: Thrifted

Belt: Gap

Yellow one piece swim suit: Juicy Couture

{Have a great weekend!}

Purple, red, & black {love}

Dressed down with a "Love" tee shirt and white sandals:

(for a sushi dinner date with my pal Nicky)

I am wearing:

Skirt: Vintage thrifted ($1.50)

(Dustin says this is his favorite skirt)

Shirt: Target?

Shoes: Victoria Secret

Jacket: F21

I think it would look just as nice a few inches shorter?

Dressed up with a ruffly top: (Ann Taylor)
and black heels: (Doll House)

(worn for church)

Conrad says "Shoes! Shoes!" although he HATES wearing them.

(Yes, I wore the same skirt twice in one weekend....)

I seriously need a spray tan or something. 

Guest Fashionista: {Mom}

I've been thinking about "fashion" lately and thinking about why people wear what they wear and for what reasons. I would like to think that fashion is a means in which we express ourselves to the world. An outfit is a canvas-whether your canvas is expensive or cheap, plain or detailed, designer or target, what we put on our bodies is sort of an outward expression of what's going on in our hearts (in a sense). If I'm feeling low, It often times can be reflected in my appearance.

For the first six months of Conrad's life, I dealt with a bit of postpartum depression. Some days were harder than others, and most people had no idea that I was struggling to keep it together on the inside and outside. I wasn't taking much pride in how I presented myself and after a while, I was being buried under that sadness, self pity, and laziness. I credit running for getting me back on track physically and emotionally. I have gained so much from just getting my ass off the couch. I also credit my husbands sweet efforts to encourage me to take care of my body (pulling a comb through my hair, showering now and then, working my heart out so I don't keel over anytime soon, and loving the body I have today-honoring God by caring for it well. etc.) you get the idea.

But most days, I wear baggy jeans and a tee shirt (the "mommy uniform"). If I have somewhere important to be, I usually put more thought into how I want the world to view me. It feels nice when your pediatrician says "You always look so cute!" while I'm thinking "Oh yeah? I had smashed banana down the front of my tee shirt and my kid sneezed in my face during his snack, giving me an apple sauce facial before we came!" I sure fooled her! Ha! (And certainly, I have showed up to the ped's office with a head of greasy hair and no make up....)

I've always been a bit of a "tom boy" wearing my jeans a tee's. Recently though, I've come to realize how much my husband likes the girly-girl side of me and would prefer I wear skirts 24-7 (not happening honey)! I think a lot of moms will agree that now-a-days, a pedicure, a hair cut, or

putting on something pretty makes you feel like a million bucks

(it means more now than it did before) AND

US moms NEED to feel feminine after a day of hanging out with a baby.

We have the right to feeling pretty and I think we should. That's why I think of fashion as a sort of "hobby", that's why I love to play dress up and think of my clothes as "art" rather than just clothes.

It makes me feel pretty.

But enough about me, let me show you how cute this lady I know is:

She is wearing:

Necklaces: Express

Yellow leather sandals: DSW

Skirt & Top: Anthropologie

She has been eyeing this skirt forever now and it finally went on sale, so she used her gift card from Mother's day (I got my thrifty-clearance bug from her). Don't you just love when you get something that you've really been wanting....AND it's on sale?! Score!

Thanks for looking super adorable and for sharing your clothes with me!

You're such a little fashionista Mom!

Floral & Yellow:

I am wearing:

Yellow top: Vintage (thrifted)

I LOVE the ruffly sleeves!

Skirt: Anthropologie (Mom's closet)

Shoes: Nine West (buffalo exchange)

I've been wearing a lot of yellow lately (and a lot of skirts)

If my husband liked me in baggy tee-shirts- you can bet your butt I'd be

wearing baggy tee-shirts all the time,

But when he stops and notices little things I do and says

"Those earrings look so good on you."

or

"I really love when you wear lipstick."

It only encourages me to buy more shades of lipstick, or wear earrings to the pool!

(I was pregnant when my Mom purchased this skirt, and I was fuming when she told me what size she got it in. I was like "Couldn't you have gotten a size ...... TEN?! But months later, I can finally fit into it. Thanks Mom!)

my guys wanted to show off

what they were wearing too:

Last night my mom and I had dinner and Conrad showed off his walking skills

(about ten-ish steps).

I was glad my Mom got to see him walk!

My little man is about to be a BIG walking machine!

I'm super excited!

Summer Trends:

Orange & Fishtails

What I'm wearing:

Skirt: Vintage thrifted ($1.50)

Shorts: Gap thrifted (3.99)

Shirt: H&M

Necklace: Thrifted

Snake skin gladiator heels: Moms's closet

When I'm not busy saving the world, fighting crime, & being a mommy,
I like to sit in a hot bath and read fashion mags.

Apparently Orange is a hot color this summer, so when I found these two

pieces, I was excited (especially since they were inexpensive).
It was hard to find a top to go with such bright colors,
but I found a floral print at H&M for less than 10$ and was sold.

I feel a little eighties-ed out in these outfits, but they're fun, so whatevs.

*The shorts are super high waisted so I have to make sure they don't

creep up too much resulting in really embarrassing camel toes and such.

I tried to do an orange lipstick that matched the outfits,

but i felt like neon orange lip stick was a bit much.

Other summer trends:
Fishtail braids

loving these looks & these looks