The winter of 2013 was a rough one. Have I mentioned that? I don’t mean to harp, but ya’ll need to see the setting in order to appreciate this story. We got home from our second trek to Alabama just in time to celebrate Christmas, and got sick within a week of getting home. We…
Continue ReadingHave {We} Got News for YOU!
There’s been a lot cooking behind the scenes around here, and it’s finally time to show the world what we’ve been workin’ on! “Embracing Beauty: Practical Style for Every Shape and Season of Motherhood” will be released April 2nd, 2013–just two weeks from today! I’m so excited about this, I can hardly sleep at night…
Continue ReadingGrapes and Frost {Some Mamma-Friendly Style Inspiration}
In my book, Embracing Beauty, I have a whole chapter on styles that work great for the ever-changing mamma figure. One of my favorites in this category is the wrap dress. {My 6 year old was my photographer for this series of photographs. I had him stand on my bed to get the right angle…
Continue ReadingThe Next *Big* Thing around here…
My friend, Kris, tagged me last week in the “Next Big Thing” blog post chain. It was just the kick in the pants I needed to, uh, tell you about my next big thing. See, I’m writing another book, ya’ll. But I hadn’t confessed it here yet because that would be like saying I was…
Continue ReadingMatching Boots & an Orange Experiment
Claire and I have matching boots. This delights us. Her and me. Matching. Oh, yes. We are also both wearing orange. I point this out to her, and that’s how she smiles when she realizes she matches mommy. This wearing orange…it’s a new thing for me… I used to be afraid of orange. Or hate…
Continue ReadingMomma’s Fashion Friends
Motherhood brings constant challenges to the art of getting dressed. These are 4 of my favorite wardrobe basics that have stood the test of 3 pregnancies, 100’s of Lbs. of weight changes, 3 1/2 years of lactating, and very little time to spend shopping… Layering Tanks I was so grateful when this trend came in!…
Continue ReadingPassion, Fashion, and a little ‘Ketchup’
Y’all, I’ve missed you. But you know that thing called life? Yeah. That took over last week. My passion for hospitality (two sets of house guests last week–whoo-hoo!), my passion for real food (wait till I tell you all the stuff I made with 1 gallon of raw cream…in just 30 min!), and, of course,…
Continue ReadingMommy Gets a Makeover, Part 3
I came away from my Personal Pinterest survey with a surprisingly short list of items I needed to add to my closet to revamp my wardrobe: 1. A skinny belt 2. Long Skirts 3. A pair of riding boots The skinny belt was simple. I went to the thrift store, found a worn-but-genuine-leather belt, and…
Continue ReadingMommy Gets a Makeover, Part 2
Yesterday I described my personal style struggle. Today I’ll share what jump-started my personal fashion revolution: Fashion Revelation #1: It’s OK to be a Copycat All my life I’ve been inspired by the styles and tastes of the woman around me, yet I struggled to translate the looks I saw into an outfit for myself….
Continue ReadingMommy Gets a Makeover, part 1
I come from stylish stock. Yet I have always struggled with my own sense of style. I fondly blame the homestead years. For my entire teens–when most girls are spending extra time in front of the mirror or at the mall, tweaking and tailoring till they discover just the right look for them–I was focused…
Continue ReadingCelebrating {Small Gifts}
It was a year ago now that I read One Thousand Gifts. My gift list is woefully neglected (a mere 317 so far) but the lesson of choosing to see and be grateful for even the smallest of blessings has stuck with me. Ann’s honest musings sunk deep into my spirit and allowed me to…
Continue ReadingA New Look For Spring {And A Party!}
Look who got a new look for spring! I am so excited that with the advice of this amazing lady, as well as the support and encouragement of a great group of online friends, Jeremy and I finally gave my book the cover it deserved. This project was a lot of work–and a really cool,…
Continue ReadingSnapshots of a Vintage Wedding, Part First
Photos from the wedding I helped with over the weekend. Thanks to Neil and Nancy for these images. I’ve shared links to more albums on ATIG’s facebook page! Now I’m off to pack for our next adventure – camping at Creation Fest Northeast for 5 days!
Continue ReadingA June Bride…A Vintage Bridal Shower
The festivities have begun for the celebration of my friend Sarah’s wedding (made possible by a tornado). Last weekend we attended the bridal shower in her honor, hosted at the lovely home of the lovely maid of honor – complete with vintage decor, tents on the lawn, delectable lunch and lush gardens. Here is Sarah…
Continue ReadingMy Easter Outift
I found the hat at the salvation army two weeks ago. I was so excited, but restrained myself from jumping up and down in public. It didn’t occur to me until Saturday night that I should wear it for Easter Sunday (it wouldn’t be the first time I used Easter Sunday as an excuse to…
Continue ReadingI have learned in whatsoever state I am…
…to buy maternity clothes. (This is not an announcement – I am not pregnant!) I’m 5’9″, so pants only look right if I get them extra long. Thus, I’ve worn highwaters through all three of my pregnancies. I hate feeling frumpy when I’m pregnant. So, my new policy is to buy cute maternity clothes whenever…
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