Show and Tell Tuesday

Show and Tell Tuesday is a year long link party (just like the graphic shows...haha) with a different topic each time.

Fun...right?

The topic this time is "Your Personal Style" and this couldn't have come at a more perfect time.

I've been thinking about a new series I'm going to call "Try it on Tuesday" (thanks for the name Katie♥) where I show you things I've tried on when out shopping so you can see how they look on a "real" person. It's crazy how things look so much better or worse on an actual person rather than just on the hanger or a super skinny model.

I'm still working on the whole selfie thing and really stepping out of my comfort zone posting these, but I really like seeing them when other bloggers do them so I hope you feel the same.

Seeing things I've tried on should give you a pretty good idea of my personal style. I consider myself to be classic with a trendy twist. I have a pretty casual style since I don't work outside of our home but even when just staying at home and/or running errands I still like to try and look cute. I'm really aware of how comfortable something is as well as how it looks on. I tend to wear a lot of neutrals. Black, gray, and white are my go to's, and I find myself being drawn to olive green and blush here of late. I love hot pink and coral and throw those in frequently. This doesn't mean I won't wear anything else, these just seem to be in my wheel house.

I'm currently looking for a new dress to wear to graduation or maybe baccalaureate.

I tried this one on in Gap the other day and thought it was super cute, but ordered it in a petite because it's to long in the back above the waist and pooches (that's a word, right?) out due to me being compact. Bonus...it has pockets♥

#shortgirlprobs

Dress
Update: the petite came in over the weekend and while it fit much better through the top it was just too short for me to be comfortable.
#majorbummer

While I was in there, I saw this cute shirt and grabbed it too. Love the color and it has a darling pleated back like the tee I recently purchased at Loft. Seems these days I'm really drawn to flowy tops that are comfortable, but still cute. If coral isn't your color it comes in 5 other options.

Coral top

I probably wear way too much black, but I love it. It's a blank canvas and you can change it up with lots of different accessories. This one is considered mixed media. The back is a knit and the front is more of a silky(ish) material. I KNOW...you love my technical terms. Bonus, it's on sale for $20 and comes in other colors.

#getthemall

#i♥myflipflops

Black sleeveless top / Printed option

I've said before I'm not really a typical tee girl and thought this might be a good substitute. Like most white shirts you need a cami under it. If someone could perfect the whole white shirt - see thru issue, they'd be RICH!!!! This also comes in other colors and is 40% off.

Smocked Yoke Top

This is the Lou & Grey tee that I brought home with me. It's one of my favorite shirts. I have several Lou & Grey items and they are all so soft and comfy. I'm trying on a small in this picture but ended up buying the x-small. It comes in different colors and I can't promise I won't be buying at least one more.

#sorrynotsorry

Lou & Grey Shirttail Tee

I love the lace detail on the top of this shirt and I love it even more because it's on sale. The lace  dresses up a plain tee and is very on trend again this spring. As I've mentioned before I'm just not a tee kinda girl. I think it's partly because I'm short waisted and they just don't fit well through the body. I even tried this on in a petite, but still wasn't convinced I'd wear it so I ended up returning it. If you're a tall(er) girl, please buy this and think of me when you wear it.

Lace Yoke Tee / Striped option

Well, keepin' it real here. This is a terrible picture, but a cute shirt.

Caslon Plaid Popover

I showed you this top a while back, but wanted to give you a reminder that it's cute, comfy and now it's on sale.

Bobeau Striped 3/4 Sleeve Top

I seem to wear a cami almost every day and these cami's from Gap Factory Store have been my favorite for years. They come in quite a few colors and typically are on sale so I always stock up.

My favorite cami

I love the ruffle trim on the sleeve of this blouse. It takes it from cute to darling in a split second.

Deco Ruffle Trim Henley

It comes in several different prints here, here, here and here.

Solid colors here, here and here.

#allonsale

I was really surprised how much I liked this dress on and it could be worn for work or casual wear. The sleeves can be rolled up and it has a tab to hold them in place or you can leave them long also making this a great dress for seasonal transition.

Diamond Tie Waist Dress

So there you have it. My personal style...in a dressing room. HA!

What do you consider to be your personal style?

Do you like seeing clothes on someone else to help you decide if you might want to try it on yourself?

Happy Tuesday friends!

Lisa

XOXO

Monday, Monday...

Another weekend has come and gone.

If you are a mama, I hope your family treated you as sweetly as mine did. 

The phrase I heard all weekend was, it's Mother's Day...you choose.

Shouldn't Mother's Day be every weekend???

I'd vote for that.

HA! This is totally accurate!!!

No big surprise we managed to squeeze food into our weekend starting with a trip to where else?  Chick-Fil-A. We just love us some Chick-Fil-A. Unfortunately it's 30 minutes away, but we're supposed to be getting one closer this fall.

#yippee

#eatmorechicken

We found this adorable little area behind a store we were in that had a pond with HUGE coy fish in it and made a great back drop for some quick pics.

We are soaking up every minute we have with this girl these days. She had planned to hang out with some friends, but thankfully decided to spend the day with us since it was Mother's Day weekend.

#thankskt

Can't forget to take a pic with this guy♥

As usual a stop by Starbucks was is order and the sweet barista girl who took our order wrote this on my Java Chip Frappuccino LIGHT 

...but I splurged and had the whipped cream.

#happymothersdaytome

I've been looking for a new watch for a loooong time. I think I've mentioned before that my wrists are really small and all the big watches that are so in style right now just look ridiculous on me. 

#flavorflav

I finally found one I liked and they surprised me with it for Mother's Day. It's made by Anne Klein and very reasonably priced. I didn't want to sink a lot of money into one until I see how like a bigger watch. This one is perfect! I love that it's two tone because I wear both gold and silver jewelry and even like to mix them. I just need to go have a bunch of links removed.

#thanksguys

Here are some other watch options at different price points. The double strap MK leather band one is very popular and the pink Kate Spade watch is just so pretty. The silver Michael Kors is currently on sale for 25% off. 

                                $195         $195         $22         $20       $187.50

Click here for more watches.

Click here for necklace

She's definitely taller than me now and it just thrills her to death.  We both have on flats here and I guess I'm officially the shrimp of the family.

Kent and I ended our weekend with a trip to the grocery and were a little amazed when we noticed this...

You might want to show this to your kids...they may not know what a "PAY PHONE" even is. Honestly, we didn't know there were any left. 

Okay guys, that's it for this Monday. Maybe next weekend will be more eventful and I'll have something crazy to share with you.

Whatever your week holds, give it your all!!!

Lisa

XOXO

Happy Mother's Day

I had originally written this post for a link up a month or so ago and as I was doing it I realized it would be much better to save and do as a Mother's Day post and tribute to my mom.

I don't have any pictures at my house of her early years except for her senior picture.

She looks so young. I guess we all look young at 18 but don't realize it at the time. She and my dad got married when they were 18...I'm  pretty sure I'd have a coronary if Katie was about to get married.

I think the first thing I really want to say is that I know her number one priority for my brother and myself was to make sure we were raised to know God and become good Christians. I have to say "Thank You" and I know she was successful with my brother and I'd like to think the same about myself. She was and is a wonderful role model of a godly, giving woman and taught me how to be a good mother, friend, hostess and more.

This woman can do ANYTHING and EVERYTHING.
NO...SERIOUSLY, she really can!!!

When I was thinking about all the different things she's done, it's amazing.
First, she's an incredible seamstress. When I was a little kid, she'd sew for people. Not just sew, but SEW. Like make dresses for an entire wedding party.
She made ALL of my formals and they were always BEAUTIFUL and unique. I never had to worry about walking into a dance wearing the same dress as anyone else.
#thanksmom

She had so many different jobs when I was growing up. Not only did she sew for people, she was also a bookkeeper for a Timex watch sales rep. 

#wealwayshadcoolwatches

She decided when I was in late elementary school to become an esthetician at a department store. She went to New York and trained for a week.
#firsttimeonaplane

When she returned home she did that for quite a while and decided to become a hair dresser so she began an apprenticeship at the same department store...back in the day when big department stores had "Beauty Salons" in them.
#thegoodoldays

Fast forward...she eventually finished at an actual beauty school to expedite the process and opened a one chair salon in our home. I'd come home from school everyday and visit with her and her clients. I'm sure I was a source of entertainment telling them about the antics of my day if I was anything like my teenage daughter is now.
#theappledoesntfallfarfromthetree

She had her shop until the early 2000's when she had a terrible accident and fell down a flight of stairs, blowing our her shoulder...COMPLETELY. She had to have a complete shoulder replacement and that ended her career as a hair dresser. We are truly lucky she's alive and it didn't kill her. Unfortunately it was such a bad fall it started a snowball of health issues that she's dealt with ever since. At the time this accident happened she was trying to decide if it was time to retire and had been praying for guidance or a sign. My dad likes to say that maybe next time God could just send her a letter instead of sending her down a flight of stairs.
#youhavetolaughtokeepfromcrying

Her talents aren't limited to sewing and hair though. She's an awesome cook. She's a master gardener. She wallpaper's and paints. She's an incredible hostess and loved to throw parties and entertain and she's funny to boot.

Needless to say, these are some pretty big shoes I have to try to fill.
In so many ways we are alike and yet in a lot ways different.
I consider myself to be a "Jack of all trades, master on none". Much like my mom (and her mom) I am somewhat of a seamstress, but possess nowhere near the skills or talent she holds.
(I never want her to look at my finish work...it makes me nervous)

I learned how to entertain and throw parties and showers by watching her throughout the years.
I learned to decorate and create what I consider  to be a cozy home from her. Pretty much everything I can do, I learned from her.

Mom was probably the most persnickety house cleaner I've ever known. As my brother and I grew up and once she was working full time and we were old enough, we became the cleaning crew. While I didn't like it at the time, I am happy I learned how to clean the "right way". I tell my kids one day they'll thank me for making them learn to clean as well.
#wewillhavetowaitandsee
#theysaytheywont

I hope one of these days my kids will be able to look back and see things they learned from me.

Here are a few things I hope I've handed down to my kids...
Be kind
Make your bed
Never pay full price
Be a good friend
There's a time to be silly and a time to be serious
Have manners
Do your best
You can only be responsible for your actions
Respect your elders
Keep a sense of humor
and
Put your mom on a pedestal ;)

(Dad's are cool too♥♥♥)

My mom (and Dad) are definitely at the top of my "blessings" list that I have to be very thankful for. I can never express to them how much I appreciate all they've done for me and my family throughout my life. I know not all daughters are so lucky to have such a special relationship with their parents. My brother and I hit the jackpot with these two♥

Happy Mother's Day, Mom!!!!
I Love You!!!
(and sorry because I know your a big weeping puddle now)

Lisa
XOXOXO

Friday Favorites X 5

Wait...it's already Friday again???

Somebody please slow down the time. It's only 5 weeks until graduation and that seems to be the main focus in our house right now.

Katie is neck deep in AP exams and Wednesday was Benny's last day of classes making his junior year of college in the books.

Where oh where did my babies go???

#couldtheybeanycuter

I'd just love it if someone had a time machine and I could go back and live some of these sweet days with these two cuties all over again.

Okay, I'll stop and move on before I turn into a big ol' pile of mush.

#sniffsniff

#kleenexplease

It's time for Friday Favorites

YAY!!!!

This granola.

If you are a granola fan, you're going to want to give this a try. I stumbled on it in Costco a couple of months ago and picked it up on a whim.  

#goodchoice

Unfortunately our Costco has quit carrying it, but I found it at Target and Whole Foods.

Why YES, that is a yummy little piece of DARK CHOCOLATE in there. Stir a spoonful or two in some yogurt and enjoy!

#myfavorite

This chalkboard that hangs in my kitchen. I made it out of an extra cabinet door from our last house. I have a real love affair with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint and that's what I used for this and then chalkboard paint for the center. I'm able to change out the sayings to go with holidays, celebrations or just whatever makes me happy.

Click here for shirt.

I love this new tee I got from Loft. It's cotton on the front and kinda silky on the back, but the sweet pleated back is my favorite. I'm a sucker for details like this.

I wore it to church with these pants (but forgot to take a picture)

Click here for pants and another option here.

These pants have the perfect amount of stretch and are super comfortable. I do recommend sizing down one size because they stretch out. I bought a pair last year from Loft in the same style and they have really stretched out, so this time I remembered to size down.

#nomorebaggybutt

Baccalaureate is coming up in a few weeks and we were asked to send in pictures throughout our kids high school years for a ball fest slide show. 

This is one great group of kids and I'm going to miss not seeing them once they all leave for college.

#cuethekleenexagain

 \

Benny made the Tennessean on Saturday. 

What a hoot!!! He and some buddies went down to cheer on the runners of the Nashville Marathon. I absolutely never know what this guy is going to do, but I do know he sure makes his mama happy anytime I get to see his face♥

Feel free to add him to your prayers next week. He and a team of engineering students are going to Guatemala on a mission trip to build a bridge . This is his 2nd time to Guatemala and his 3rd mission trip during his college years. Last year they went to Honduras and built a bridge as well. He really has a heart for doing mission work like this and has expressed an interest in helping to lead these kind of trips once he graduates.

#superproudmom

Hope you have a great weekend.

Lisa
XOXO

Tomorrow is Cinco de Mayo

Do you normally celebrate Cinco de Mayo?

We are pretty low key about it, but I am planning to make some yummy fajitas Thursday night.

I thought I'd share my recipe so if you are interested, you can plan ahead.

These are really easy, just a little time consuming when it comes to chopping and cooking in batches. 

You can use chicken, beef or even shrimp. Sometimes I use flank steak and make chicken and beef, but typically it's just chicken.

I start with 2 thinly sliced onions and brown them in a cast iron skillet until they are golden and caramelized. This is one of my favorite uses for my cast iron. Believe it or not I didn't own a cast iron skillet until about 5 years ago.
 #what #allsoutherngirlshavecastiron

 I grew up in a house with cast iron skillets and hated them because they were heavy and at the time I thought a pain to clean. Now that I know you can just use a brush on them, it's really not a big deal.

Once the onions are nice and brown, remove them and start on the peppers. 

They should brown and soften and after that happens remove them and set aside with the onions. If you happen to have 2 cast irons skillets (like I do)  you can double team them and expedite the entire process.
#gorgeous


 Slice one chicken breast per person and brown in the same skillet. Once the chicken is browned, add the onions and peppers back in and then add this packet of magic yumminess...this is the secret.  Just follow the directions on the back of the package.

Note: I've tried some other brands, and this is my favorite.

I like to make refried beans to go on the side and sometimes I'll make some Mexican rice. 

Okay, so hear me out...these may seem really bizarre, but JUST TRY THEM!!!! They are dehydrated refried beans and they taste the most like restaurant style beans of any I've ever had. The only place I've ever found them is WalMart

#justtrustme

No fajita dinner would be complete without Guacamole. I have been using this Guacamole mix forever! I didn't used to like Guacamole but Kent has always loved it so even when I didn't eat it I'd use this to make it for him. You find it in the produce department and it makes the best Guacamole. Edit: I add salt, pepper and lime juice to taste. Cover with plastic wrap stuck right on the guac to keep it from turning brown.

The avocado tool is great for sectioning and removing the avocado from the skin. 

A little sour cream and cheese and you are good to go!!!

#fiesta

Now I'm hungry!!!

Enjoy friends!

Lisa

XOXO

It's not too late

Happy Tuesday friends!

Well Mother's Day is just 5 days away, but no need to PANIC! There's still time to get something for Mom that she will L♥VE.

I've put together another collage of ideas at different price points to help you out. Many are found at Nordstrom and did you know you can order something online and cut down on the shipping time by having it ready at your local store? Love that!!!

I've become a huge Nordstrom fan in the last year. Their customer service is far better than any other retailer and I believe that's what keeps them so successful. I used to think they never had sales but the truth of the matter is, they always have sales. They just aren't the sales that other retailers have that are "the biggest sale of the year" every. single. Friday and Saturday. (you know who I'm talking about, right?)

Cross body bags are really on trend right now and these 2 below are both cute and perfect for throwing your necessary items in for a day out.

These 2 perfumes both happen to be my favorites. They have a lovely floral scent, and I always get compliments when wearing them, and who doesn't love to be told they smell good?

I love it when my kids give me something that is "MOM SPECIFIC" like this Alex and Ani bracelet which I wear almost daily.

I've become a huge fan of long necklaces in the last few years, but also love a shorter necklace when I'm wearing a more casual tee. The initial necklace is so darn cute and you can layer them with the initials of each child.

#momwin

Black saddle cross body / Coco Mademoiselle / Kate Spade Initial

Kendra Scott / Alex and Ani / Perforated Saddle Bag

Colorful Beaded Necklace / Miss Dior / Bar Pendant

You don't have to spend a lot of money to let MOM know you love her. There are lots of necklace options all under $25 here. Maybe you want her to have several options and there are so many choices available.

This time of year I start using a sunless tanner because lets face it, white feet in sandals and white legs in dresses just aren't pretty. I just feel better when it looks like I have a tan.

This is my all time favorite candle. It will make your mom so happy and bonus, she'll think of you every time she lights it. 

If your mom loves to collect mugs these colorful Dutch Wax mugs would be perfect.

Take a few minutes to think about your mom and what she likes. What do you see her pick up and look at when you're shopping? Does she ever mention an item a friend of hers might have? Does she love to read? Is her secret addiction People magazine? How about a subscription or just a few issues of different magazines she might like along with a box of  her favorite tea or coffee?

Be thoughtful! That's all moms really want. Just thank her for all the things she does for you and most of all hug her tight...with both hands. ;)

Don't let the week get away from you.

Lisa

XOXO

I'm back

Oh my goodness! I can't believe it's only been a week since my last post. It feels like so much longer.

Where do I begin?

I got home Friday evening from spending a week in Virginia helping my parents along with my brother David who came in from Atlanta to work on cleaning out their garage and getting them more settled into their new home. While it was really a jam packed week of work, we managed to have a lot of fun. It's really just so special when you can spend time with your family like we did and everyone truly enjoy being together. We laughed a lot while we were working, so much so this almost happened...

While most of the week was about working I did get to do a couple of other things like get some good Mexican food (always on my list when I go home), see some of my cousins and have lunch with one of my dear friends who #BONUS was also my hairdresser when I lived there, so I got my hair done!!!

Here's a snapshot of what we accomplished.

The first picture is how it looked when we arrived. A couple of loads were hauled off, some to Salvation Army and some to the dump. The big pieces of furniture that are left will either be sold or given away. We got so much done!!! Along with the garage, my brother installed lights on a couple of ceiling fans and added a ceiling fan/light in the loft. 

I painted a cabinet for the kitchen and a shelf that hangs over it.

I introduced my brother to Snapchat a couple of weeks ago, so he was happy to play along with me all week as we sent them to my friends and family.

This guy is so fun and crazy!!! My kids absolutely adore him and we were able to FaceTime with both of them during the week which proved to be very entertaining and of course my parents loved getting to see them too.♥♥♥

On Wednesday night he was out walking and walked past this dumpster...

It was full of concrete where a neighbor was having a part of their driveway replaced. It was dark when he was walking and as he went by he heard something in it and just new something wasn't right. He got his work gloves out of his truck and climbed in the dumpster and started trying to find whatever was making the noise. A neighbor came out (not thrilled) and asked what he was doing and he told him there's something alive in here that needs help.

This is what he found

#ihearyousayingAWWWWW

A very NEWBORN KITTY. I'm talking probably born that day. It's eyes weren't even open and it had an umbilical cord just like a baby. Oh my goodness, it was so sad. It was just crying and so distraught, absolutely broke your heart. It was cold to the touch so my mom immediately wrapped it up and held it to her to warm it. We all jumped into action. I was researching how to care for newborn kitties, my dad was calling animal hospitals, mom was holding it, and David (or Dae-Dae as we call him)  had gone back to the dumpster because he was pretty sure there was at least one more in there. Unfortunately he couldn't get to it with all the huge pieces of concrete. This sweet little baby was starving and so we were giving it room temp milk from a spoon but read you needed "kitten formula"...I didn't even know that was a thing. P.S. It's as expensive as baby formula...$20 a can. We ran to the pet store to get a can and a nursing bottle and got in just under the wire before it closed. It needed to be fed every 2-3 hours and then you have to stimulate it to go potty. ARE YOU KIDDING ME???? Well, we were ready for the challenge. We came back and got it to nurse from the bottle a little bit and then it curled up just like a little kitten and slept for a few minutes. Meanwhile my dad is still making phone calls. He spoke with animal rescue and they said if we could take care of it through the night they'd come get it in the morning. Thankfully he found a 24 hour animal hospital that said they'd care for it through the night and get it to the rescue people in the morning. So off my brother and I go to the animal hospital. Before we left it we made sure it would actually be cared for and not "taken care of". They assured us that the county we were in was a "no kill county" and that the rescue people had volunteers they could call to care for it until it was big enough to be adopted out. This all happened in about a 2 hour window...we were exhausted by the time we got back home.

I'm really not a cat person, but it was so cute and tiny. Dae-Dae called the next day to check on it and they said it had been picked up.  We took that as a good sign that it had made it through the night. Oh, and by the way, before we took it to the hospital he went down and sat in his truck near the dumpster to watch and see if the mama came back looking for it. We knew it wouldn't have lived through the night if he'd left it in there because it was supposed to get a little cold and the dumpster was supposed to be hauled off the next day. 

#goodlucklittlekitty

David and I were sharing the upstairs bathroom and when I looked at the counter I couldn't help but be amused. We both use the same toothpaste (and it's not that we used this when we were growing up) I just thought it was funny that here we were all grown up and just happen to choose the same kind.

#siblingsimilarities

I sure love this guy!!!!

 What a great way to spend a week!!!

Love these three more than they know.♥

Have a great Monday friends!!!

Lisa

XOXO