Closet Love: Park Picnic

The sun is shining, the flowers are in full bloom, and its not yet 115 degrees, all of which, leads to my little boy thinking he lives outside. He is only content now with being in the sunshine playing baseball, soccer ball, baskeetbawl, chalk, or the best entertainment in the world...the hose! So with all this outside fun to be had, it is impossible to convince him he needs to take the time to come in the house and gasp, eat. It's a battle that does not need to be had, so lunch now comes to him on a blanket being carried in a basket. He thinks it is the coolest thing ever. And taking a walk down the street to eat at the park...even better! So this outfit is inspired for a picnic at the park.

Shirt

Shorts

Shoes

Sunglasses

Bag

Blanket

Happy Mother's Day!

I kiss ouchies, I have become proficient in all types of construction trucks, I melt when my little boy takes my cheeks in his hands and gives me a huge kiss or randomly walks up to me and throws his little arms around my legs...I count it a blessing and an honor to be a mommy. And I believe I can do these things because for 26.9 years I have seen another woman love, smile, cheer, give grace, show patience, invest time, listen, respond gently, work hard, laugh easily, and become totally proficient in her own children. She loves with her whole self and she is my own...she is my mommy!

Thanks mom for showing me God's love! I am a better mommy, wife, and friend because of you! I love you very much! Happy Mother's Day to the best mom in the world.

Have a Celebratory Weekend!

He was not a morning person but he woke up everyday at 5:30am before we woke up to get his school work finished in attempts to not interrupt time with us. He wrote thousands of pages, traveled back and forth from Kansas City, and this weekend he graduates with his Masters in Divinity from Nazarene Theological Seminary, oh and he has a 4.0! We will be celebrating my wonderful husband this weekend! Congrats My Mr. I love you!

I challenge you to find something to celebrate this weekend, something, anything that will make you throw your hat in the air, or blow out some candles, or take your spouse/friend out to a nice dinner, or give a little gift...celebrate!

Happy Friday!

photo from: blog.mlive.com

Thursday Randomness

I've been thrown up on three times today, I've flown half way across the country, I woke up before the sun this morning, and I've only had goldfish and Sonic to eat so when the boy went down for a nap I have just sat, kinda zombie like, looking at pretty and funny things on the internet that don't require too much brain power. Here is a collection of the random things I found.

A to-do list for Corbyn and I for summer...and its free, score!

An awesome DIY planter for the backyard or porch.

This is a cute print.

Oh Summer I am waiting for you and your bbq's...definitely will add this and this to my menu.

I want this kitchen...i love how crisp and clean it looks.

I have been looking for a way to store my son's art supplies, this might be the solution.

This video made me laugh probably way harder than it should have.

Fail.

New nail trends...what do you think? I think yes, yes, no.

I love fun facts about animals and this is super cute!

Amy Ryland Photography: James & Megan

James and Megan are married!

I just want to say I am honored to have witnessed and documented the fusion of your lives as you stood in front of your beautiful family and wonderful friends. May you look back on your day and remember...remember your love, your commitment, the way you easily laughed together, the way you beamed at each other as Megan walked down the aisle, the way your eyes were locked on one another as you recited your vows, and the ways you whispered quietly to each other. Much love, Amy!

The day started with a beautiful dress, veil, and bling.

Getting ready, perma smiles on both their faces.

All ready to see each other!

Megan, I think your husband thinks your beautiful by the way he looks at you.

Welp, yup, he's right, you are beautiful.

One of my favs!

Love the after party shoes!

May you always carry each other's "stuff".

Ceremony time! Filled with sweet moments, quick glances, and quiet whispers.

The bridal party, who were willing to jump up and down for me ;). Cool fact about the bridal party, everyone was either a relative or had been friends so long they are practically relatives, which I think that says a lot about the type of loyal friends Megan and James are.

Reception time! Filled with lots of laughs, a rock star dancer, the newlywed game, a crazy table 8, and cake in the face.

The centerpieces done by the talented Amanda of Amanda's Wedding Designs, she is basically brilliant. Let me tell you why...the flowers hanging from the chairs during the ceremony were taken off flipped around and repurposed to go into the vases as centerpieces...genius! Check her out at www.awdfloral.com

The first dance.

Happy Marriage!

It's May, which means...My Birthday Month

My Birthday is coming up! I am not a person who cringes at their birthday but rather loves to celebrate and have a whole day dedicated to me =). Here are some of the things on my birthday list this year...

1. Nike Free Running Shoes

2. Handmade rose necklace

3. Rose gold fossil watch

4. Express romper

5. 7 for all mankind "A" pocket jeans

6. Rose earrings

7. Amy Butler Fabric laptop sleeve

8. Braided flip flops

9. Anthropologie swimsuit

10. Set of handmade earrings

11. Anthropologie dress

12. Vintage Floral Fossil necklace

13. Fossil Tote

14. JCrew outfit

Closet Love: Clothes that give back

I went shopping this weekend. I love shopping. It is definitely one of my favorite things to do. But I started thinking about all the time and money that goes into shopping. Did you know that Americans spend 15 billion dollars every year on perfume alone and 50.7 billion a year on shoes, shoes?! I guess I'm not the only one who likes to shop ;). When I was trying on the cutest Anthropologie dress that fit like it was made for me with fabric that moved as I moved and as I started to drool a little over a dress I looked at the price tag and thought "that's a lot of money to spend on myself," which led me to think how we can I turn my shopping habits into opportunities to give back. With a little research I found companies that have turned their businesses or parts of their businesses into funding movements to aid causes and help people. I would be naive to say I could only wear clothes like this but sometimes I can intentionally make choices when I shop and turn it into a way to give. So, here is a whole outfit that gives back.

Shirt: Common Threadz- A nonprofit for helping orphans, every shirt you purchase buys a school uniform for an orphan.

Pants: Volcom-is offering a wonderful solution, Give Jeans a Chance, to find your used denim a new home through The National Coalition for the Homeless. You bring them your denim (any brand), they will clothe someone who needs it.

Shoes: TOMS- With every pair you purchase, TOMS will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need. One for One.

Necklace: 31 Bits-Not only are their necklaces made from recycled paper and other local materials but 31 Bits is a business using fashion and design to empower women in Uganda to rise above poverty.

Perfume: Donna Karen's Pure by DKNY- is part of a collaborative project with CARE proceeds from this particular fragrance going to help over 1000 women in Uganda break the cycle of poverty by helping them with education and jobs.

Bag: STOPstart- made from recycled feed bags these bags and wallets go to stopping human trafficing and helping the victims start a new life. By purchasing their products you will help support projects that work with victims of human trafficing.