5 Lessons My Mother Taught Me in Her Last Days

mother, mother's day, truth, words of wisdom, faith, God, Jesus, gratitude, death, eternity

The first part of 2016 has been one of the most difficult periods of my adult life. From the time the doctors recommended hospice care for my mother until her passing at the end of February, I felt that my emotions were like a dam ready to burst at the prick of a pin. Without a doubt, the only thing that held me together was the grace of God, which was so apparent during this season of my life.

As I spent time daily with my ailing mother, she taught me, directly and indirectly, many things about life. Some she had already been instilling in me since I was a child and others I learned as I listened to and observed her in the last couple of months of her life. These are treasures that I will carry with me in my journey thru life and hopefully pass on to my children because I know they are from God. Continue reading

It’s Not Really Goodbye…

gone_living

Happy Monday, my friends!

I mentioned in my last fashion post that I’ve been wanting to make changes in my life in order to stay true to my heart. One of those changes involves this little blog of mine. When I first started this blog, it was meant to be a fun creative outlet for all the ideas that were swirling around in my head that I couldn’t wait to share with like-minded women who were passionate about fashion, food, fitness, etc. With very little knowledge about blogging, I decided to take the plunge a little over two years ago and what a journey it’s been! It was so much more than I expected in so many ways. The friendships I’ve made in the blogging world have been so rewarding. I’ve been encouraged and inspired by so many of you, and most of all it’s been so much fun! The blessings have been beyond my expectations but, to be completely honest, the amount of time and energy that goes into a blog was also much more than I expected. Continue reading

Weekend Wish List – Nordstrom Sale

Nordstrom sale, fall fashion, fall colors, drapey jacket, fringe sweater, burgundy coat, cocktail dress, holiday dress, OTK boots, Ray Ban sunnies

TGIF, everyone!

I tried to stay away but I couldn’t resist taking a peek. I’m talking about the Nordstrom Clearance Sale! I just can’t pass up a good deal so I’ve already added some items to my shopping cart and placed the order. Check out some of my picks below. The sale ends this Sunday, November 15, so hurry and get in on the deal! Continue reading

Outfit Highlight: Boldness

J.Crew peacoat, cobalt blue, bold colors, J.Crew grid print dress, windowpane, bold prints, Zara booties, Clare V. clutch, leopard print, fall fashion, fall to winter, boldness

Happy Monday, my friends!

When I think of bold fashion, I automatically think of striking colors, eye-catching prints and patterns, or a mix of all three for a final look that stands out. It’s about going out of your norm, trying something different and new. Similar to fashion, boldness in life requires us to step out of our comfort zone, to not be afraid to be different and go against the flow, even if the choice we make is not necessarily the most popular one. It’s about following your heart even if the path you choose may not lead to success as the world defines it. Continue reading

Weekly Wisdom: I Wrestled with Jacob and God Won

grace, God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, Jacob, Esau, predestination, Genesis 27, Romans 11, Galatians 6:14

I recently had a chance to revisit Jacob’s story in Genesis 27-28 as part of my attempt to read the Bible in a year. I knew Jacob was not one of my favorite people in the Bible but my dislike for him grew even stronger as I read his story for the umpteenth time. Conniving, deceitful, self-promoting…these are a few of the words that come to mind when I think of Jacob. He not only took Esau’s birthright but tricked Isaac into blessing him instead of his brother. Even when God revealed Himself to Jacob in a mighty way thru a dream, he dared to put a condition on his relationship with God! He declares that God will be his God if He watches over him on his journey and provides for all his needs. And yet in Malachi 1:2-3, God says that “I have loved Jacob, but Esau I have hated. But why??? It doesn’t seem fair! Continue reading

Outfit Highlight: Haute Comfort

SheIn, fringe camel jacket, Banana Republic haute sweatshirt, chambray, Express moto leggings, Vans slip-ons, Rebecca Minkoff crossbody, fall must-haves, fall fashion, casual chic, fringe jacket, Vans slip-ons

Happy Monday, my friends!

Hope everyone had a fun Halloween. How can you not with all that candy, right? The best part is that it wasn’t freezing cold. Temperatures have been surprisingly mild this season and I hear it’s getting up to the low 70s during the week. Yay! The highs and lows that fall weather brings makes it a little tricky getting dressed. I bundle up in the morning but I find myself shedding my layers by early afternoon. Continue reading

Recipe Highlight: Quick-And-Easy Chicken Noodle Soup

chicken noodle soup, cold, fall, dinner, main dish, warm soup, food, recipe, quick and easy

When my daughters and I caught a bad cold a few weeks ago, there was one thing I knew would make us all feel better…good ‘ole chicken noodle soup. There is nothing like a bowl of hot, soothing chicken noodle soup on a chilly autumn day. But when I have a craving for something, I want it right away. If it takes me too long to make it, my craving seems to dissipate. So I took one of my favorite chicken noodle soup recipes, Paula Deen’s The Lady’s Chicken Noodle Soup, and modified it to make it a quick-and-easy recipe. I had three bowls of hot chicken noodle soup on the table in no time. My daughters are a big fan of this soup and love dipping their crusty bread in it. They liked it so much that I made it again a couple of days ago. Continue reading

Outfit Highlight: Bell Bottoms and Bell Tops

skinny flare jeans, bell bottoms, bell sleeves, Tory Burch, the Gap, Kate Spade olive crossbody, bell sleeve cardigan, Sam Edelman leopard pumps, calfskin, Madewell arrow necklace

Happy Monday, my friends!

I’m so grateful that we’re having a real fall season this year. Temperatures are staying reasonably mild, which was not the case around this time the last couple of years. Our family had a busy weekend but it was a good busy. The five of us got to serve lunch together and get to know underprivileged families at a church in the inner city of Detroit. I’m really looking forward to doing more of these types of activities as a family.

70s-inspired looks are on full force so I was excited to re-acquaint myself with flare jeans, which we’re seeing everywhere these days.  Continue reading