blue fog

I am sick. Even in these pictures, the first hints of congestion and general ache-iness were apparent to me, but for the last two days it has been full blown under-the-weather-ness. Therefore this post is going to be short. I'm not interested in letting anything get in the way of my orange juice drinking, Scooby Doo watching, lazy being day.

blank CDs

My conversation with the salesman at Office Depot:

Him: Welcome to Office Depot! Can I help you find something?
Me: Yes, I need blank CDs.
Him: Oh cool! What for?
Me: My students.
Him: Oh, what do you teach?
Me: Musical theater.
Him: Like Glee? You're like the teacher from Glee?! YOU'RE LIKE THAT ONE TEACHER GUY FROM GLEE!
Me: Ummm... sure.
Him: You should be on that show too.
Me: Thanks, now, uhh, the CDs?
Him: Oh right! Over here...

He was way too excited. Just saying.

But I guess I understand - I was way too excited to wear this blue velvet skate skirt from, guess where?

The AMERICAN GIRL STORE.

It has just been a day of inexplicable excitement.

It even made me want to curtsey.

peace&love,
Jill

out of season

It has been in the sixties and seventies lately which has made for some unseasonable outfits. I feel like should be going to Easter services in this dress, but somehow it was perfect for the first day of Advent! Who saw that coming?

It has the best shape in the world - an instant feel good dress. And the coral print is pretty cool too.

Stay cool! And pray for some proper Christmas weather!

peace&love,

Jill

 
Linking up with:
GFC Blog Hop
Real Girl Style Link Up

fall-ify: sequin tank and jersey skirt

Happy Cyber Monday! 

To celebrate, get FREE SHIPPING on ALL Favoring Brave orders this week, 11/26 through 12/2 with the coupon code CYBERMONDAY.

Are you getting tired of summer clothes for fall yet? Well today is the last day, so cry in joy or pain, whichever makes more sense to you. The pieces today were a sequined tank top and a green jersey skirt. Here's how I wore these pieces over the summer in my post market uniform.

Now I know it doesn't look like I'm wearing the tank, but I am. It's actually peeking out at the shoulders, but my skin is so colorless it actually serves as a sort of sparkle top camouflage. If it was in person you could tell. Promise.

peace&love,

Jill

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P.S. Have you heard about the 50 States of Brave Blogger Search? If you're a blogger in the US, you might want to get involved! Go here to find out what it is and what you need to do! 

fall-ify: tie dye dress

Happy Cyber Monday! 

To celebrate, get FREE SHIPPING on ALL Favoring Brave orders this week, 11/26 through 12/2 with the coupon code CYBERMONDAY.

I'm back with another "fall-ified" outfit today. I took a silky tie dye summer dress and made it into a a fall staple! Here's how I wore this dress over the summer in my post dyeing for a cool front.

I've decided I'm a serial belter. Everything involves a belt - and rolled up sleeves. You can check the archives for yourself - there are few things that I can't cinch in a little bit more, or long sleeves that I can't make more 3/4 length-ish. True story.

peace&love,

Jill

Linking up with:

#YOLO Mondays

Weekend Update Blog Hop

Monday Meet Up

Miscellany Monday

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P.S. Have you heard about the 50 States of Brave Blogger Search? If you're a blogger in the US, you might want to get involved! Go here to find out what it is and what you need to do! 

fall-ify: studded tunic

For a long time I've wanted to do a feature series on the ways I take my outfits from summer to fall and I've finally gotten around to doing it! The next few outfits will take elements from my summer style and make them into "fall-ified" outfits!

Today? This lovely, silky blue studded tunic. Heres how I wore it over the summer in my post little bitta everything.

And here it is for fall:

 

What do you think?

And really quick: I'm no plant expert, but is this normal for a succulent? 

I'm thinking I've mutated it somehow into some kind of succulent beanstalk wannabe.

peace&love,

Jill

Linking up with:

GFC Blog Hop

Real Girl Style Link Up

Followers to Friends Blog Hop

What I Wore Wednesday at the Pleated Poppy

What I Wore Wednesday

Rae Gun Link Up 

Random Wednesday

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P.S. Have you heard about the 50 States of Brave Blogger Search? If you're a blogger in the US, you might want to get involved! Go here to find out what it is and what you need to do! 

thankful

I know that when November rolls around people often start lists of things they're thankful for for each day of the month to get them all ready for the holiday spirit. Early this month I started a list too, but my intention is to keep adding 4 things to it every day for a year. So on 11/4/13 I will have a list of 1,460 things I am thankful for. I will spare you the whole long list I have so far, and just hit a few highlights, but maybe, if I'm as good as my word, I'll give you the whole shebang next year. 

1. My relationship with God: At the center of everything is my faith. It motivates me, challenges me, and allows me to grow closer to God, the whole reason for my existence. I know He has a plan for me and that pushes me to constantly become the best version of myself, so that I may fulfill that plan.

2. My husband John: Being a young married person can be challenging because it's so rare these days, but it makes all the difference in the world when you're with the right person. John is the funniest, sweetest, most faith-filled man I know and he can always seem to say what I need most to hear. I am so thankful to have a husband who cherishes marriage as much as I do, who so strongly believes in God, and who treats me with such love, honor, and respect. 

3. My wonderful family: It's hard to live two states away from my family, but I know that they are always there to support me no matter what's going on. My parents are such wonderful people and good examples to us of kind and caring adults. My brothers are hilarious and remind me constantly that life really is meant to be enjoyed. I'm actually going to get to see the whole family later today and I'm really excited.

4. My creativity: No matter what I have been pursuing it's always seemed to require creativity and I am so thankful that I get to use this gift so often. Being a creative person, I feel like possibilities are everywhere, which makes life such an adventure!

5. My freedom: I am thankful that I live in the USA where we are free to voice our own opinions and share our own thoughts, but I am so thankful that I am personally free from addiction, bad relationships, and overwhelming debt. Sure there are student loans, and sure, there are struggles, but overall, I am able to make my own decisions free from coercion and unwanted influences.

6. Popcorn: I really like popcorn. A lot. So I'm thankful for that.

peace&love,

Jill

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P.S. Have you heard about the 50 States of Brave Blogger Search? If you're a blogger in the US, you might want to get involved! Go here to find out what it is and what you need to do! 

favorite colors

My favorite colors to wear are, in order, grey, camel, navy, brown, and mustard yellow, so I was pretty stoked about this outfit, being as it has all 5 - camel jacket, mustard shirt, grey skirt, navy tights, and brown boots! It is also the quintessential fall combo in my book and it went from church, to a meeting with friends, to a family dinner easily.

I hope you all had a good weekend! Husband and I rented all 4 Twilight movies on Saturday to watch them marathon style while completely picking apart every aspect of them and laughing like crazy people. It was a great way to spend a Saturday. If you like Twilight, I don't mean to offend you, but those movies are entertaining for all the opposite reasons they are intended to be. 

It's almost genius in reverse. 

And happy beginning of Thanksgiving week! I'll be back tomorrow with a tutorial for easy peasy walls that I use at craft fairs, which would also make great room  dividers!

 

peace&love,
Jill

Linking up with:

#YOLO Mondays

Weekend Update Blog Hop

Monday Meet Up

Miscellany Monday

Monday Mingle

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P.S. Have you heard about the 50 States of Brave Blogger Search? If you're a blogger in the US, you might want to get involved! Go here to find out what it is and what you need to do! 

legacy

When I was a senior in high school, I was given a very special gift by my English teacher - a book of poetry one of his college writing mentors had given to him. He was instrumental in developing my writing technique and this gift was his way of saying that the help he had given me was not mine to keep, but mine to share, and when I someday realize my dream of teaching college English, I will give to book to one of my students. This is how we grow.

And now, as I go through the process of applying to graduate school, it's nice to remember the people who have believed and invested in me. I carry them with me, in things and memories, and they give me the ability to believe in myself when I the odds seem unbeatable. They lift me up on their shoulders and the stars are within reach.

So, go. Follow your dreams.

peace&love,

Jill

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P.S. Have you heard about the 50 States of Brave Blogger Search? If you're a blogger in the US, you might want to get involved! Go here to find out what it is and what you need to do!