Spreading the love

Since it's Valentine's Day,  I thought it would be appropriate to share what's on my heart and spread a little love since it seems to be lacking in this country right now. I know I am only one person, but I am determined to change the environment around me with the words I am speaking and pray that it spreads to each and every one of you who has taken the time to stop by my little corner of the world. I read a quote recently; "change your thoughts and you change your world."

Can you imagine if each of us changed our thoughts and our words what an impact it would make not only on our own personal world, but on the entire world. Our words can be life or death (Proverbs 18:21) What have you been saying to yourselves and others? Listen, I am not condemning anyone, because I am just as guilty of falling into the habit of speaking negatively and complaining as much as the next person, but what I do know, is that when I make the choice daily to be positive, it not only affects my attitude but everyone around me as well. 

A few weeks ago I made the decision to "Break" Facebook with love. Recently, many of my friends have expressed that they were wanting leave Facebook because of all of the negativity.  I totally get it because I have been feeling the same way. But then, I got to thinking about it, and I have never been the type of person that just quits anything without a fight. So instead of leaving FB, I decided to "break" it with love and encouragement. I chose to do it for 21 days because "they" say if you do anything for 21 days straight, it becomes a habit right? So for the last 17 days I have been posting nothing but positive and encouraging quotes on my page, and I challenged everyone to do the same.

As of my 18th day, I am very happy to report that my news feed is once again a happy place, and my attitude is a lot better as a result of this little experiment. What are you doing to change your world? It only takes a little love to make a big difference!

Change your thoughts and you change your world.

 

Vest~Fabulous Furs (NLA) similar // Top~Nordstrom Rack similar // Jeans~Top Shop // Booties~Kendall and Kylie // Bag~Rebecca Minkoff // Sunglasses~Greene Street Consignment Shop

Put on love today and see what happens!!

{ROE}ING

How do you roe? If you don't know what I'm talking about, then you haven't been on Facebook for a while. LuLaRoe is company that was started by DeAnne Stidham and has taken social media by storm! She always had a dream to start her own clothing line, (umm yes please) and is passionate about helping other woman succeed in finding balance between work and time at home. Women empowering women. Isn't that what it's all about?

I first heard about the company a few months ago when my coworker began selling the line, and   although they are most famous for their super soft leggings, they also have some other great pieces, like this Julia dress. When it comes to my wardrobe, I love mixing things up a bit, and with their vast selection of prints, the styling options are endless. Check out their entire collection here. 

I suggest finding a local LuLaRoe to make your shopping experience easier. Call me "old school"but I prefer to see and try things on before I make my purchase. Many consultants host pop up boutiques in their home or on Facebook featuring their newest inventory. The beauty about LuLaRoe is that every consultant has different styles and prints in their collection, so you can spread the love to two or three consultants without feeling guilty or disloyal, especially if they are your friends.

If you are in the North Jersey area and are interested in shopping the collection, get in touch with one of these lovelies and they can get you "Roeing" in the right direction.

Jennifer Casale on Facebook ~ LuLaRoe Jennifer Casale VIP

Viviana Mastrobuoni on Facbook ~ LuLaRoe Viv and Vivi VIP 

Rebecca Kowal and Lois Leeds ~ on Facebook ~ LuLaRoe Rebecca Lois

"If you want to be a person who gets things done, act like you already are".

Have an amazing weekend!

Happy Roeing!!!

Julia dress ~ LuLaRoe // Vest ~ Marshall's (similar) // Shoes ~ Ivanka Trump // Bag ~ Zara // Watch ~ Michael Kors // Sunglasses ~ Kate Spade   

**Not sponsered, just a Fab review

Despite the rain in Maine

Yep. That's me wearing an Alpaca wool sweater in the middle of July. I had packed so many other cute outfits for our trip to Naples Maine, but unfortunately Mother Nature was not cooperating. It was a balmy 50 degrees and rainy the entire time we were there. 

But it wasn't really about the weather, it was about being together as a family. We were there visiting my Aunt and Uncle and cousins who we don't see often enough, and we weren't going to let a little rain stop us. So, Despite the weather, we were still able to go out on their boat, my husband got a little fishing in, and I got a little retail therapy in with with the girls (hence, the lobstah sweatah). There was no way I was leaving it in the store! That baby was coming home with me! Oops! Got off track. It's not about the sweater! It's not about the sweater! It's about family right? I think I love this sweater as much as I love my family. Is that possible? Sorry not sorry!

All kidding aside, we really did have a lovely time, and to tell you the truth, I am kind of happy that it rained the entire time because it forced us all to be inside together where we spent hours catching up, laughing, relaxing, and making fun memories. 

I read somewhere that "Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, but it's about learning to dance in the midst of the rain" and that the sun doesn't always have to be out to be thankful for what I have. 

I am so thankful for the awesome family God has given me. 

What are you thankful for?

Have a great weekend!

Lobster sweater// Jeans // Sneakers

MIDWEEK MUST HAVES

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 

I know summer isn't over yet, but I just I thought I would give you a quick preview of what's hot for fall. Think deep emerald greens and metallics. Yes. I said metallics! I know many people freak out when they hear that word associated with clothing, but there is no reason to be afraid of incorporating metallics into your wardrobe this season, as long as you treat them as a neutral. Don't think studio 54 gold jumpsuit, think beautiful green lace top paired with a brushed gold leather skirt. If you don't feel comfortable with the metallic trend just yet, start with smaller pieces, such as a pair of shoes, handbag, or even by layering mixed metal jewelry (I can almost feel the fear melting off of you as I write these words). And can we please talk about the beautiful green hues that we are starting to see everywhere, from fashion runways to furniture. It looks great with every skin tone and even goes great as a pop of color in your home. On the bright side, even though the leaves will soon be changing, we can still continue enjoying our green through the fall and winter months.

What trend has you excited for fall?

Enjoy the rest of your summer!

I Promise

As most of you already know, my husband and I celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary in May. We have been home for two months now, and I still can't bring myself to switch my watch back to East Coast time, and we have also been binge watching Hawaii 5-0 since we have been home. Yes. I know, we're nerds.

When we were planning for our momentous occasion, we kept going back and forth between a trip, or a big party. I mentioned kind of casually to my husband, hey why don't we renew our vows in Hawaii and bring our best friends Pastor Dan and Margaret Hand with us, and then they can perform the ceremony. Before I knew it, he was dialing their number to see if they were available.

We have known this wonderful couple for 20 years, and they have been with us through it all. So it was an honor to have them with us to celebrate this special milestone. What an amazing trip! We met so many great people, and many of them wanted to know our secret to being married for 20 years. Simply said, God is at the center of our marriage. Yes. We have had our rough patches, and still do every once in awhile, but we work through them and pray them together and our marriage is even stronger now than it has ever been.

A few months ago, a very wise man and dear friend (Pastor Larry Hand) celebrated his 51st wedding Anniversary. His post on Facebook stuck with me and I think it's worth repeating. Here is his response to the many couples that think it's unusual to be married that long:

"I hear so often that marriage is hard, life is so hard. I don't think marriage or life is hard. I believe we make it hard by the way we allow ourselves to act, and say things that hurt and destroy each other. Actions and words will either build or tear down what you have. It's a choice. I preach often that marriage is the least place where the fruit of the spirit is practiced, and the greatest place where it is needed most. The greatest key is to never give up, family is too valuable". 

Wow! If that doesn't make you ponder a little bit, right? Is there fruit in your marriage or relationship?

What are some of your tips for a strong and healthy marriage? I would love to hear them.

Reading suggestion:

The Five Love Languages

Check out our vow renewal video here.

I promise to love you

and to always hold you close in my heart.

I will always stand by you,

to comfort, support and encourage you.

I will never take you for granted, but will always give thanks 

for your presence and the gift of your love.

I promise to respect you, to be faithful to you, 

and to cherish you today, tomorrow and always.

Have a love filled week!

What I wore: Dress ~ Shelly Glam Boutique (one of kind made exclusively for Shelly Glam)// Shoes ~ Zara (similar)// Hair by Sara at The Grand Hyatt Resort and Spa Kauai 
What he wore:Shirt ~ Pants ~ Polo by Ralph Lauren  // Shirt ~ Robert Graham // Shoes ~ Ferragamo