Dressed-Up In December

There is something about getting dressed-up in December that just feels right. Of course there are days though that wearing jeans, oversized sweaters, and boots totally feels right, too! I love this look because to me it is dressed-up in a practical, casual way. It can totally go from lunch with the girls to a holiday get-together that night. Also, as you guys know, this hat (sold out at Free People, but similar here) and this bag (read more about my love for Cuyana, here) have been on-repeat for me lately. It is fair to say that they are my go-to accessories this season and complete almost any look, dressed-up or dressed-down. Those are the best kind of accessories- versatile, minimal, and tres chic. Scroll down for the rest of the outfit links, xo.

THE LOOK

hat (similar) | top (similar) | skirt| bag (c/o) | boots  (c/o)

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A Few Of My Favorite Things

With gift shopping in full swing, even nearing an end soon, I thought it would be fun to share a few of my favorite things with you guys! It's not too late to gift these items, add them to your wishlist, or gift yourself :) I can't say enough good things about these items- they are what I find myself reaching for time and time again. From makeup wipes to sneaks to pajamas, these things are on my most-used, most-loved list. Also, check out our collection of gift guides, here. Enjoy! xo [show_boutique_widget id="670678"]

December Thoughts

Oh, December. What a magical time of year! From cozy clothes, to comfort cooking, Christmas decor, extra time spent with family, and shorter days and longer nights, this time of year is without a doubt so special and always one that we look forward to each year.In one way this time of year is so busy between holiday parties, gift shopping, family plans and everything else, but in another way this season is also marked by rest, relaxation, peace, and reflection. We pray that this year we prioritize time to rest in order to focus on the reason for joy this time of year.Similar to our note about Thanksgiving and Black Friday, we believe that there is a way to exist in the "busy" without getting caught up in it. When we do this, we will have a peace that lifts us up above the chaos. We also hope that we stay close to loved ones this time of year and lean on friends and family, for that is what this time of year is designed for- rejoicing in Him with those that we love!Sometimes the holidays can be difficult if you are experiencing a challenging season personally, and if that is the case, we are praying diligently for you and know that the Lord is wrapping his arms extra close around you with His great comfort, love, and peace.There is a song that we are totally obsessed with right now on Hillsong Worship's holiday album, The Peace Project, called Seasons. It is linked to Spotify there and I highly recommend listening to it. It has been on repeat lately!! It is also on our LSK Worship Playlist that we are constantly adding songs to. Here are lyrics from Seasons that we absolutely love--

I can see the promiseI can see the futureYou’re the God of seasonsI’m just in the winterIf all I know of harvestIs that it’s worth my patienceThen if You’re not done workingGod I’m not done waiting

We hope that this month is a wonderful one for you and we look forward to spending it with you here on the blog! With love, xo.

THE OUTFIT (c/o Nordstrom):

dress | top|  booties

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Easy Dressing With Tommy Hilfiger

Jase and I were so honored to host Runway of Dreams in NYC this summer. The annual gala celebrates members of the fashion industry and the differently-abled community who support the mission to make fashion accessible for all people, no matter their ability. This opened my eyes to what is brewing in the fashion world, and I was amazed that they were partnering with Tommy Hilfiger to create an adaptive line.I love that there is an initiative towards making zippers and buttons so simple and accessible! After losing my left hand a few years ago, I have to say, the high-waisted, multiple-button jeans are my obsession yet equally my nightmare ha! I have had to yell for my husband in a public restroom to help me button them up.Providing ways to make getting dressed as simple as possible is so important for individuals who are differently-abled. It makes me so thrilled that Tommy Hilfiger realizes this and is making a difference!Also, the adaptive styles are still so chic in the casual-cool way that Tommy Hilfiger is known for when it comes to design. I love all of the items that I own from the line and am thankful that they are easy to wear while still being on-trend.The best news ever: the Tommy Hilfiger Fall/Winter 2017 Adaptive Clothing Collection is out and available to shop! It is equally classic and beautiful. Check it out here, and spread the word to anyone you feel this could benefit.

SHOP THE LOOKS:

LOOK ONE: tan pants | tee | jacket

LOOK TWO: denim skirt | tee

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The Week Of Family, Cooking, and Shopping

This week is definitely the week of family, cooking, and shopping. It is such a special time of year, but it can also be crazy busy. We are praying over all of us that we cling to calmness and not let the crazy-busy make us crazy! It is easy to get caught up in all of the pressure of hosting perfectly, cooking perfectly, decorating perfectly, shopping perfectly and everything else. However, rejoice, because we can say goodbye to all of the false perfect goals because they just aren't true. What is true is that this week is full of fun opportunities to be with loved ones, cook and eat delicious meals together, and do some gift shopping. Above all else though, we are called to give thanks abundantly this week. So, instead of getting caught up in the crazy, let's exist in the crazy (and even enjoy it) while standing firm in thankfulness with a gracious heart and a spirit of calmness, love, and joy. With that being said, we are of course going to list out a few sales that we are looking forward to (the ones that we know of so far!) + recipes that are on our want-to-cook list this week and weekend. Scroll down for more, xo.

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SALES ON OUR RADAR (c/o Glamour.com) 

Alo Yoga- up to 60% off sale + 25% off full-priced items, starting Friday

Shopbop- 20% off $200 orders, 25% off $500 orders, 30% off $800 orders, starts today

Janessa Leone- 30% off hats from Friday-Monday

Hobo- 20% off full-priced styles on Friday

Krewe- 60% off frames from the 22nd-27th

Loft- 50% off everything on Friday

Anine Bing- selects boots & bags are 50% from the 24th-27th

Reformation- 30% off from Friday-Monday

Bella Dahl- 25% off site-wide on Friday

Fossil- 30% off everything from the 22nd-26th

Schutz- up to 40% off select shoes on Friday

RECIPES ON OUR LIST

this sweet potato chili from cookie + kate

chicken & turmeric soup from camille styles

roasted carrot hummus from goop

pumpkin porridge from in my bowl

flourless pumpkin cookies from chelsea's messy apron

crescent wrapped brie app from food network

white chicken chili from gimme some oven

pumpkin soup from bread & wine

garlic butter mushroom risotto from pinch of yum

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Sweater Weather

Hello, sweater weather. We have expressed our love for Abercrombie many times here on the blog as well as on Instagram, so it shouldn't be too much of a surprise that we are D-Y-I-N-G over their sweater collection this season. From chunky knits to cool boyfriend-style cardigans, Abercrombie has nailed it once again. Sweaters are seriously the best; they obviously help keep us warm, but they are also stylish, classic, and can be dressed up for a cold-night-out or cozied down for a cold-night-in with sweats and socks. Below are our nine favorite sweaters from A&F right now, enjoy xo.[show_boutique_widget id="654581"]

Current Color Scheme That We Love

There is a current color scheme that we love...red, ivory, and camel. There is something so cozy and warm about this combo that makes us think fall and holiday season, while still keeping things light and bright. Below are a few pieces from a few favorite retailers that fit into this color scheme including a red mock-neck top from Free People, a camel cardigan from Abercrombie, and ivory (AKA, the most perfect shade of winter white...) pants from Anthropologie.

RED

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IVORY

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CAMEL 

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image via Pinterest 

Letting Go

I think sometimes we only think of letting go when it comes to BIG specific things, like a dream that didn't come to life or an opportunity that didn't turn out as we had wished. However, what if we were to "let go" more than just when we have to? Scroll down to read more!If we make letting go a daily way of life, it will become habitual and natural to release the tight grip that we have on our own dreams, plans, and thoughts. Doing so will ease our burden and allow us to surrender control of our lives over to the One who is actually in control. "Letting go" can be a constant lifestyle and a forever frame of mind, versus just an act when you are in a situation or circumstance that forces you to let go. A yoga teacher once said during class, "Let go and let God", and that has forever made an impact on my life. If we choose to live in a "let go" state, we open ourselves up to all that He is capable of doing! A few thoughts on how to actually do this...

-Praise Him each morning by praying, giving thanks, reading His Word, and turning on worship music as you get ready for the day;these things put the focus on Him versus ourselves and set our minds in a place that is open to His direction.

-When you start to feel stress over figuring something out, or obsession over an outcome, or worry over what could happen "if"...stop, breathe, and say out loud "Jesus, I give this to you. I lay it down." Or something like that! It is amazing how the act of saying those words actually changes our mindset and causes peace to settle in.

-Keep Moving. This is a funny one because at the same time that we are to "move forward" we are also called to "be still" in waiting for His guidance and direction. Even though they sound opposite, they actually can be and should be lived out simultaneously. Read this previous post for more!

-If you feel like your mind can't let go of something, journal about it or call a friend or family member to talk it out. I had a great conversation with a friend recently and she made a comment about letting things work themselves out, which is another aspect of letting go. Give things time to happen, but in the meantime, write down your thoughts and seek wise counsel.

We would love to hear your thoughts on letting go in the comments section! Here is a passage of scripture that we find so comforting and encouraging when it comes to letting go, surrendering, and trusting Him:

My child, listen to me and do as I say, and you will have a long, good life. 

I will teach you wisdom's ways and lead you in straight paths. 

When you walk, you won't be held back; 

when you run, you won't stumble. 

Take hold of my instructions; don't let them go. 

Guard them, for they are the key to life.  

Proverbs 4:10-14 (NLT) 

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SHOP THE LOOK + SIMILAR TOPS THAT WE LOVE:

jeans (c/o) | boots | sunnies (similar, similar) | top (c/o...print sold out, sadly!)

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Favorite Fall Ankle Booties

We are so excited to share a shoe brand that we are officially in love with: Kelsi Dagger shoes. Have you heard of this brand before? We discovered the brand while browsing on Anthropologie's site and immediately noticed a few pairs of Kelsi Dagger shoes- simple yet cool in design, neutral colors, chic, leather, with looks like they would wear-in well and be comfortable. We are happy to report that all of the above is true and we can confidently say that Kelsi Dagger is officially in our top 3 of favorite shoe brands, if not #1! Below are our favorite fall ankle booties from the brand. The coolest thing about these booties is that they can be dressed up or dressed down. We love the look of pairing ankle booties with minis and maxis for fall, but also love the classic ankle bootie + denim look. We are so thankful that KD sent us a few styles to love and style this season and beyond. Their booties are definitely the kind that will last for years to come, breaking in naturally over time, while effortlessly maintaining that cool factor. xo[show_boutique_widget id="646012"]