- Page 14 of 16 -

March 15, 2018July 17, 2018

~ March Goals 2018 ~

Happy Thursday!!

Well March is about half way over so some might think I’m silly for just now sharing my goals… But better late than never! Right?! 😉

One thing I’ve learned about sitting goals is to start them right away. Even if half the month over. Whether that’s with working out, career goals, or reading your Bible. Never wait till a new month starts, just start now!

So here are my March goals that I have been trying to keep so far and hope to continue.

1) Fitness – I have had work out goals for a long time, and honestly they never get completed. I start off great but usually by the second week, I’ve already fallen off the wagon. One thing I have learned from a YouTuber, Cambria Joy is to just give your self grace. If you fall off the wagon, its okay, it happens. Just get right back up and try again. So I’m trying again. My goal is to make it to Planet Fitness 2 times a week. There has been 3 months I have had a membership there and never used it. So two times a week I thought would be something manageable to put into my schedule. I actually already failed that goal last week, only making it once… but remember grace! 😉

2) This blog! I have loved blogging. I love writing and being able to share it. So I hope to upload at least twice a week sometimes three if I feel spunky enough.

3) Bible Study– I try to read my bible everyday. Now to be honest, sometimes I fail, and miss a whole week. So my goal is to be consistent. On the YouVersion Bible app on my phone, I follow the Bible reading plan called, Eat this book: One Year Bible with Daily Psalm. I have read the whole Old Testament so far, and I am half way through with the Book of Luke now. On this plan, you read 4-5 chapters a day. And it is super do able if you break it up through out the day!

4) Prayer – That is something that I have been growing in more this year than ever. I have a reminder set on my phone to go off every day to remind me to take a few moments and say a prayer. I feel it is very important in my Christian walk. Just like with Bible reading, with this some days I do great and some days I say, “oh I’ll do it later.” Consistency is key! So that is one thing I want to continue working on.

So I hope my goals inspire you to make some goals for yourself. Remember it’s never too late!

“But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.” 2 Chronicles 15:7

March 11, 2018July 17, 2018

~ My Day Designer Planner ~

Hey y’all! Happy Sunday! I love Sunday mornings, it is so nice to just sit down and relax. Usually on Sundays my husband and I sleep in some. We then usually eat a light breakfast then run out for errands.

Starbucks is one of our first stops. We only allow us to get Starbucks on Sundays, or we would go broke. 😉 My husband always asked me if I want to run by Target. He knows me too well. 😉

One thing that I always sit time for on Sundays is to use my planner. Now, once I got married I realized how much I need a planner. Just writing everything down in a notebook did not help me.

Check out my YouTube channel for videos on these planners!

So I found the brand Day Designer at Target and now they are the only brand planner I buy. And I have bought it for three years!

My first one I loved the simple but chic design. It was pretty thin compared to the other two I have. That is because you planned your whole week out on two days. Now, the planners allow each day to have their own page.

Because I loved my first one so much, and I had started following Day Designer on social media, I looked online to purchase my next one!

The next one I got was the full size Day Designer. In a black and white spot print. One of my dream dogs to own is a Dalmatian, so that is what inspired me to get that print. 😉

This planner offered more room for writing. You had a two page calendar spread at the beginning of every month, plus a column on the side for notes. Each square for a day on the calendar was pretty spacious.

Next each day of the week had its own page. Monday had its own page, Tuesday had its own page, you get the picture. 😉 Saturday and Sunday are the only days that share a page.

Each weekly page allows room for your top three, due, dinner, dollars, don’t forget, to-do list, notes, daily gratitude, and section from 5am-9 am (7am. -7pm for smaller planners). All these sections help for planning my day!

For this past year June 2017- May 2018, I purchased the smaller planner in a palm tree print. Now it was an adjustment going from the larger one to the smaller one, due to the size of the page. But I still love my planner.

This planner offered the same options as my first one did in the layout of the page. Also they have helpful planning pages in the beginning of the planner like a chart over your top 5 values, strengths, and passions, your goals for the year involving helping yourself, others, academics, resources, and career. These charts help you make three, six, nine, and year long goals. Plus pages for notes!

I would share pictures of these but mine currently have writing on them, and I don’t want to share all my secrets. 😉

Some of my favorite stickers I have gotten so far! Thanks Meijer and Etsy!

Day designer is actually releasing their new mid-year prints today (Wednesday the 21^st). as I’m writing this! I will be repurchasing one again this year. The ones that I like so far are the new secret garden print, the rosey posey (if they offer that in mid-year), or the black stripe. I know the black stripe print is kind of basic, but it also reminds me of a Kate Spade print. (Also, only if they offer it in the mid-year option).

They do have a new palm tree print coming out Antigua, but I think I’m done with palm tree leaves for a while. So far these are the only prints I have seen they are releasing, so check the website for more options.

Lastly, I’m not sure if I will get the full size or the smaller size this year, I’m still debating. But I will share what ever I get on my instagram page! Check me out on there – gracefullyfashionable.

So for all my planner girls out there, I recommend checking out this brand! I forgot to mention, their price usually ranges from $50-$60 dollars.

Hope everyone has a great day planning!

March 8, 2018July 17, 2018

SPRING HAUL – OLD NAVY, MEIJERS, BATH & BODY, AND MORE!!!

Hey guys!

I did not expect while writing this post to look out my window and see snow! It’s been so nice the week before and now its barely above freezing. Oh well, hopefully seeing these clothes will make you think warm thoughts!

I love clothes, if you haven’t noticed. 😉 Wearing something that makes you feel pretty just makes your day ten times better. I don’t know why God gave me the passion for fashion, but I hope to share with y’all some cute finds and give you some encouragement!

If I could only shop at Old Navy, I think I would be perfectly fine with that. 😉 This is probably my favorite outfit I found. I love stretchy BUT cute pants. Who wants to wear jeans all the time?

I already own one pair of these pants in black and now I’ve bought this similar pair in pink. Perfect for spring! I believe these pants were around $30, but I’m sure they will go on sale soon. I love how comfy they are.

One thing I love about these pants is you can dress them down casually with a fitted tee and maybe a scarf. Or you can dress them up with a nice top, like I got!

This off shoulder top is comfy and soft; those are my major two requirements. 😉 This top was around $20. It fits great and doesn’t slip around too much on my shoulders.

CHECK OUT MY YOUTUBE VIDEO WHERE I SHOW MY CLOTHING HAUL!

My next favorite thing I got was with floral sporty hoodie from Meijer. I have been eyeing this for a month! It is originally $24, but I got it for $12, SCORE! It’s so comfy and I plan to wear it a lot this spring while running around doing errands.

Okay y’all, anyone else loving boutiques lately? I have loved the Pink Lilly Boutique and the Dixieland Boutique. Both boutiques have a website and an actual store in my hometown of Bowling Green, KY! I have a shopping cart full of stuff I’d love to buy, but I’m on a budget so going to have to wait and pay for it with cash. Good ol’ Dave Ramsey philosophy!

With cash, I paid for this cute cold shoulder top from Pink Lilly. I thought the blue would go well with my fair skin tone. #Nevertanforeverpale 😉 I plan on styling this top with jeans and a cute scarf.

I love cute T-Shirts. I found this one at Sam’s in Bowling Green. It is a mint green University of Kentucky T-shirt. I know I say comfy and soft a lot, but seriously this is one of the comfiest T-shirts I own! I actually wore it as a PJ shirt last night!

A few other things I got was:

These Reebox pants, regularly $21, I got them for $15! They will be great if I stay on a workout schedule, but if not they will make great errand pants.

Watermelon Lemonade candle from Bath & Body Works. It is a clean floral scent! They were having a two for $25 deal!

Shadowsense eye shadow color in rose gold. Thanks mom!

So I want to encourage you as we start getting out our clothes for spring. This has become one of my favorite Bible verses while working on my blog:

“You are altogether beautiful, my darling; there is no flaw in you.”

Song of Solomon 4:7

Clothes should just be a reflection of our inner beauty. No matter what you wear, know that you are most beautiful just being yourself! A smile and caring heart are for more beautiful than any outfit could be.

March 6, 2018March 12, 2021

TO TAN OR NOT TO TAN? MY TANNING STRUGGLE

Spring break is approaching. I’m already counting down the days till spring. 15 more days!! I’m ready for 70-degree days and sunshine!

I also know that as spring is approaching, I always thought well now I have to shave on a more regular basis, and oh yeah what about these super pale legs?

All my life I have been described as having porcelain skin, like a doll. While to some people that is a great compliment, to others its something that I know I actually hated about myself.

Click here to watch my video!

When I was a teen, it was something I was often teased about. Teased so much I often wanted to hide my skin. I eventually started going to the tanning bed at around age 15. I wanted to be as dark as all my friends. To have the perfect tan.

While I thought the tanning bed was pretty relaxing, and I loved how it made my skin feel. I gradually started to learn how dangerous it could be, more and more stories started to come out about the rise in skin cancer.

Finally after being told by a doctor the dangers with my skin, I stopped going. Thank the Lord; I stopped before I got any skin problems.

Still I felt insecure about my skin. Spray tans became the next big thing. Let me just tell you, when I first started getting them, they weren’t very pretty. I would end up looking like a pale girl with brown splotches everywhere! Please tell me I’m not the only one who has had an experience like that. 😉

Gradually I got better and better at them, and they ended up looking pretty natural. But I couldn’t afford to keep getting those, and it was always so awkward when they started to fade.

So I switched over to self-tanning lotion like Jergens and Banana Boat. Once again there is a learning curve to these, but eventually I became a pro. I have to say Jergens is probably the best one I have used.

I would apply them every other day or every other two days. While I enjoyed the nice color payoff, still sometimes my feet would not turn out right or I was just tired and didn’t want to have to apply this all the time after the shower.

Eventually and over time, I stopped applying them. I started just to accept my skin color and to embrace it. To see my skin color as gift from God, that makes me who I am. It has a beauty all in its own.

100% natural here – no makeup, no self tanner

Just me!

I’ve embraced more colors that make my skin glow, like blues, pinks, and purple. Now all I try to do is to keep my skin healthy and moisturized. I still occasionally use a self-tanner/spray tan. I used one for a couple weddings last summer. There is actually nothing wrong if you want to use one.

I just hope that you always feel comfortable and beautiful in your own skin. And to know that you don’t always have to have that perfect Hollywood tan.

So my plans for this summer is to try to get outside everyday that it is nice and try to get 15-30 minutes of sunshine. I’ve heard it can actually be good for your skin to get some sunshine with no sunscreen. But always make sure it is not the hottest part of the day and never for more than 20 minutes. But I am not a medical professional, so always check with your doc!

If I’m going to be out for a long time, its time to slather up in some 30 SPF! I have actually used 75 SPF before 😉 Pale girl probs! But now I’ve learned 30 does just as good, as least for me.

So I hope my little rant about being happy with my pale skin has encouraged some of you to embrace your natural skin, no matter what shade you are. Just know you’re most beautiful being yourself.

February 20, 2018July 17, 2018

BUFFALO CHICKPEA TACOS!!!

Hey y’all! This is one of my favorite recipes! I make it every Friday, because it is so easy and lasts during the weekend, when I don’t feel like cooking!

It is the Buffalo Chickpea Taco. I originally got the recipe off Pinterest, but have now, kind of turned it into my own. The recipe on Pinterest (Check it out on my Pinterest board) is the Buffalo Chickpea Salad Sandwiches.

I first got into the recipe, when my husband and I became vegetarian. It tastes delicious on bread, gluten free of course! Also as a dip for nachos, and tacos! Tacos have been our new favorite way to eat it.

It has just 4 ingredients! And takes less than 15 minutes to make!

All you need is:

2 15oz. cans of chickpeas/garbanzo beans

Franks Red Hot original sauce

So Delicious Dairy Free Coconut Milk Yogurt Alternative (you can use regular yogurt if you prefer, I recommend a plain/unsweetened kind)

Pickles (Claussen is my favorite kind!)

FIRST- I have my husband drain then mash the two cans of chickpeas. You can use your hands to mash, just takes longer. So my husband uses a masher and it takes him about 5 minutes. My husband is a way better masher than I am. 😉

NEXT ADD

½ cup of yogurt

6 pickles chopped up

(6 pickles works for us, we love pickles, if you hate pickles use less!)

5 Tablespoons of Frank’s hot sauce

(I believe the original recipe calls for 4, but we like it spicy 😉 )

LAST- mix it all together!

My husband and I then add the mix to our tacos! We get gluten free corn tortilla wraps (La Banderita brand – you can buy them at Meijer or Kroger, 30 wraps for about 4 bucks!)

We think this recipe is so delicious! It serves both of us at least 2 meals, sometimes 3! If you have any questions, just leave them below!

Follow me on Pinterest for more gluten free, vegetarian recipes!

February 16, 2018July 17, 2018

Friday Favorites – Pink Theme!!!

Hey guys!! Happy Friday!!! TGIF!!! So thankful that it is Friday. Some days I think Fridays are like the Christmas of the week. Just to sit back, enjoy, and take it easy.

Today, I wanted to share with y’all my Friday Favorites. These are products that I have loved this week. While it was not planned, this weeks favorites have a color theme – pink! Perfect for February!

Jimmy Choo, l'eau, perfume

So my first favorite is a perfume that I actually got in the Sephora Perfume Sampler box for Christmas. It is the Jimmy Choo – L’eau. I honestly can’t believe I actually have something Jimmy Choo, makes me feel kind of fancy. 😉

On the paper I got from Sephora about this perfume, it describes it as fresh, feminine, and poetic. I would describe it as a floral clean scent. I love it, and have been using it almost every day! My husband loves it too, and he’s picky!

LAQA & CO, blush highlighter

My next favorite, I received from a Birchbox. It is the LAQA & CO Blush Highlighter. I have been using this for over a month and still love it! It is so easy; it is like a cream blush with a little bit of highlight. I just put some on my cheeks, sometimes with foundation on and sometimes just to my regular pale skin. The color payoff is great. And like I said, so EASY! Just dab and go, no brush needed!

Tuscany candle, touch of romance, peony, blush

My last favorite, I bought right before Valentines Day. I bought the Tuscany Candle Touch of Romance Peony and Blush from Kroger!?! Who would have thought Kroger sells good candles! This candle smells like a fresh bouquet of flowers. I was impressed with how strong the candle smells. I can light the candle in another room and still smell it!

I have honestly considered going and buying the rest of these candles from Kroger since they are now probably on sale. 😉 Also I only paid 8 bucks in the first place! Okay, I need to stop ranting, but the color of this candle – love!

So those are my three Friday Favorites. Do y’all have any favorites that you’ve loved this week?

Now, I’m going to go light my candle, dab on some blush, and spray some Jimmy Choo! Happy Friday!