polka dots – the Spiff

The Best Kind of Love

February 14, 2017 No Comments

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Whether you’re excited about Valentine’s Day or not, you’ll appreciate this story…

Over the weekend I got to witness the beautiful way God works. In this case, it was in my brother’s life.

In 2009 he married a girl from South Carolina. She was an answer to his long-standing prayer for a wife. About a year or so after they were married, she found out she had cancer. This began a long battle, that they strongly fought together. Her faith grew, as did his and even mine as I watched them stand strong on the Word and overcome huge hurtles.

At this point, people usually say someone “lost” their battle with cancer. But I strongly disagree with that. The bible says faith pleases God, so I know Mishelle pleased God big time with her faith. Also, she won. Because, hello, she’s in heaven!

That was two and a half years ago. Throughout the past two years I know every moment wasn’t easy. But I’ve seen my brother stand strong in his relationship with God. In turn, God has blessed him richly.

Over the weekend, I got to see him marry a wonderful girl. The girl God has placed in his life is a direct result of him never wavering in his faith.

On Saturday night, they threw an engagement party that turned out to be their surprise wedding! It was so beautiful. I mean it, it was the most beautiful event I have ever been to ever, ever.

I wanted to share all of that with you on this Valentine’s Day because it’s a wonderful reminder, that we have someone who loves us so unconditionally. God has great plans for us. Even in the middle of trials, He’s telling us to just hold on because He sees what’s on the other side. He knows the good He has in store for us, we just need to trust His timing and not our own.

Just hold on.

After all of that, it seems silly to talk about my outfit. But I can’t end this post without mentioning it!

This skirt was from New York and Co. online. I ordered it (during a meeting – don’t tell anyone) on a Wednesday and was holding it by Thursday night. That’s FAST.

It was on sale – less than $30! And was exactly what I needed to wear because it turns out my child loves a good party under a tent and will run around all night long if he’s allowed to. A long dress that covers 1. My bum and 2. Comfortable shoes – was the absolute best option! Not to mention it’s gorgeous.

My brother took a picture from over the event with this drone, and you can pin point me and my skirt. So technically this thing can be seen from space!!

Here’s the skirt & similar top

Fashion, travel

What to Wear While Traveling

November 4, 2014 2 Comments

Comfort is king when it comes to what I wear for traveling. Whether it’s in a car, on a plane, on a train or in a submarine, I’ll be a much happier person if my skinny jeans aren’t digging into my stomach for hours at a time.

Occasionally the need to look cute while on the road creeps into the plan. Like stopping at a cute restaurant in artsy Ashville.

There goes my t-shirt and comfy pants combo. Thankfully, this outfit is the next best thing (and doesn’t make me look like a hobo).

These pants have an elastic waste band and are therefore comfortable a couple of hours cooped up in the car. This men’s tank from Fruit of the Loom pack at Wal-Mart is great because not only is it comfortable, but it’s also really long which means I don’t have to worry about the top of my “comfy pants” showing.

Finally, the pink sweater is just enough warmth for an overzealous AC (or and overzealous AC controller), but light enough to wear I won’t get hot in the sun. I bought both the pants and the sweater at a buy one get one free sale at H&M so I think I paid at total of $7 for the two of them.

Here are polka dot pants that are close to the ones I have on, here’s a pink sweater, and here are the tanks I mentioned.

And um…how gorgeous is this street? Can I drive over there for every OOTD photo shoot?

Fashion, pattern mixing

Floral & Polka Dot Pattern Mix

October 10, 2014 5 Comments

I own one floral tunic that gets pulled out every time I have a girly event to go to (i.e.: baby shower, high tea).

It’s because it’s the girliest thing I own. After I got married my husband helped me realize I was going to have to give up some of my menswear inspired looks – like the pair of suspenders I used to rock. Man, those were cute.

Now I can say that tunic isn’t the only girly piece I own. This floral top from TJMaxx can join the ranks.

I love it because it’s great for pattern mixing. This polka dot sweater from Target plays off the tiny floral pattern perfectly, particularly because the polka dots are about the same size as the floral but more spread out so together they’re not visually overwhelming.

The floral top was a spring/summer purchase, but see how I worked it into a fall look?! Nailed it. I mean…Girls, isn’t it lovely? *she giggles holding tea cup.