fashion

Just Be Kind

November 11, 2016 by Erin

This post contains affiliate links.

We pray every day on the way to school. The boys share prayer requests and I pray. As he has gotten older, the youngest developed quite the long list of prayer requests he likes to share. This year, he added this prayer to his daily requests:

“That the boys and I would be good friends to others.”

I’m feeling the weight of the world this week with all the negativity and meanness floating around amongst adults, but when he shares that hope and prayer in his sweet four-year-old voice, I can’t help but feel lighter.

To be clear, I don’t think we have to be friends with everyone, but in his heart and mine is this plea to all of humanity:

JUST BE KIND.

That’s all I want. Disagree, stand up for your beliefs, defend your rights, but I beg you to do it in a civil manner and treat one another with kindness.

Just be kind. We can do this, friends.

Want to spread the message of kindness with me? The “Be Series” from Cents of Style is just the way to do it and it is all on sale today!

I shared my “Be Brave” tee and story before, but I think it’s time to add this “Be Kind” sweatshirt to my closet! Yep – there are sweatshirts now and they are fabulous!

The whole “Be Series” is 50% off this weekend with the code BESERIES1 at checkout! This includes tees, sweatshirts, bracelets, and brand new designs! I’m grabbing a sweatshirt for less than $20 and shipping is always free!

Be kind. Be the good. Take some time to be still this weekend. And spread the word of the message you love most by grabbing it on sale and wearing it for all to see! Remember – this weekend only, use the code BESERIES1 for 50% off and free shipping!

Which “BE” message is your favorite and why?

Filed Under: deals, fashion, inspiration, make a difference

The Ultimate Guide to Brain Breaks eBook

Thankful, Grateful, Blessed, and a FREE Tee!

November 4, 2016 by Erin

I received this shirt to review. I was not compensated in any other way and all opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links.

Thankful. Grateful. Blessed.

Do you know what these words make me feel?

These three words make me feel cozy. Warm and fuzzy.

Maybe it’s because we talk a lot in the fall about thankful, but I think it goes deeper than that.

Gratitude does not come naturally to us. It is something we must practice frequently in order to make it a more regular part of our lives. I became more fully aware of just how little I was giving thanks for the things around me when I first encountered the writings of Ann Voskamp. Her simple, but powerful idea of counting the gifts in our days changed everything.

Here is what I found: when I am deliberately looking for the gifts in my life AND giving thanks for them, I can’t help but be filled with joy. I feel warm and cozy, wrapped in the knowledge that God’s love is everywhere in my life, present in sunrise and dishes dirtied by my children and the kiss from my husband as he gets home from work.

When I’m giving thanks, I am lighter, not weighed down by the stress, but lifted by gratitude. This changes not only how I feel, but how I act:

“A life contemplating the blessings of Christ becomes a life acting the love of Christ.” – Ann Voskamp

I can tell you that in this season of life, the thanksgiving has slowed greatly as busyness takes its place. It shows up in how I feel and how I treat those around me. Then this shirt showed up on my doorstep:

I think Cents of Style has been reading my mind because I just had to smile and know God was sending me a message with this shirt. The answer to happiness isn’t in doing more or having more – it’s in the gratitude for what we already have surrounding us. I started looking for gifts and wouldn’t you know? I felt warm and cozy and happy because I have so much to be thankful for, even in a stressful season.

“Eucharisteo—thanksgiving—always precedes the miracle.” – Ann Voskamp

This is it, friends. We give thanks because it shifts our focus off of us and gives glory to God, and then comes the miracle – we are changed. Thanksgiving isn’t just a day on the calendar – it is an every day act that will transform us.

And this shirt? You can get it FREE today!

Sorry. I get a little excited about Cents of Style deals. This weekend, when you spend $25, you will get this tee FREE!

Here’s how it works:

Find products you love (jewelry, clothes, shoes, whatever you have to have) and add them to your cart.
When the cart totals $25 or more, add the Thankful Grateful Blessed shirt from the Fashion Friday page to the cart.
Hit Checkout.
Put the code THANKFUL1 in the “Gift Card or Discount Code” Box to make your t-shirt FREE!

Remember: the code is THANKFUL1 and it will make this brand new t-shirt FREE with any $25 purchase, + FREE SHIPPING! Anything on the Cents of Style site is fair game – any purchase that totals $25 qualifies for the free t-shirt!

Pick out $25 of great items, grab your free tee, and let’s practice gratitude together right now!

What are you thankful for today?

Filed Under: faith, fall, fashion, gratitude, what I wore

The Swing Dress

October 21, 2016 by Erin

I received this dress to review. All opinions are 100% my own. This post contains affiliate links.

This is a style trend I can TOTALLY do. Yes, I already love dresses, but even if you don’t, I think this swing dress will make a believer (and a dress-wearer) out of you!

The Remi swing dress from Cents of Style will be your go-to dress for being comfy and looking put together at the same time! This dress – in 17 different colors and sizes S – 3X – is only $21.95 shipped with the code DRESS2016 this weekend!

I have a thing for gray. I knew this dark gray swing dress (size small) would get worn all the time! We’re finally experiencing fall temperatures, so a blanket scarf and ankle boots (mine are from Tecovas) were just what the swing dress needed to be fall ready.

A swing dress can be worn by itself or paired with boots and tights, leggings and flats, distressed jeans, and so on. It is THE versatile dress you need this fall because you can wear it a million ways! I’m thinking a chunky necklace and a floppy wool hat for a girls’ night out! Best part: you’ll be comfy wherever and however you wear it! Check out this video for more great styling tips from women of all shapes and sizes!

Now you just need to decide which color (or colors) you’re going to buy! Remember – each dress is just $21.95 shipped with the code DRESS2016 this weekend only!

What color should I buy next? What color is your favorite?

Filed Under: deals, fashion, what I wore

My Fall Uniform

September 29, 2016 by Erin

I received these items to review from Sweet P & Fi. I was not compensated in any way for this post and all opinions are 100% my own.

I am a capsule wardrobe dropout. I just couldn’t stick to 30-40 pieces exclusively for a whole season because I like to mix things up. I do, however, like to have a go-to outfit for the days when I want to feel comfortable, confident, and put together without too much thought. Honestly, we want to feel like that every day, right?

My fall uniform is something you will find me in at least four days a week. It’s more of an outfit formula and looks like this:

long top + skinny bottoms + boots

This formula gives me a starting point, but it also allows for lots of creativity, so I never feel stuck like I did with a capsule wardrobe. While I adore this uniform, I have a found a few challenges within this formula.

First, long tops such as tunics don’t always fit me well because I am smaller on top and wider on bottom. More fitted tunics are tough because, if I pick a size to fit my hips, the shoulders are much too big. This is why I pick longer tops either with stretch, a slight flair at the hips, or with lots of flow.

Second, skinny bottoms can mean lots of things: skinny jeans, jeggings, skinny pants, faux leather leggings, and leggings. I LOVE comfy leggings for my “skinny bottoms” option, but leggings present lots of questions. Are they soft? constricting? see-through? Will they fall down over and over again?

As fall officially sets in this week, I’ve been pulling out my fall clothes, planning different variations of my uniform, and adding a few new key pieces to update it for 2016. My new go-to place for all things fashionable is Sweet P & Fi, an online boutique, owned by lovely local mom, Molly!

Here’s my fall uniform, the Sweet P & Fi edition!

The very second I saw this tunic, with its amazing fall color, front pocket, cowl neck, and perfect fit, I knew I had to make it mine. It has a great texture and won’t be too hot on a sunny fall day. Sweet P & Fi is also getting the same top in black – I must have it! These will be up on the site very soon, so keep your eyes open!

What is it about a pocket that makes a tunic so much more awesome?! It just does. The cuffed sleeves are another fun detail – you can show off your arm party on both arms!

Let’s talk about the leggings – yes, those are leggings! They totally look like jeans, but they are incredibly soft and don’t fall down! HOORAY! I wore them all day and felt fabulous in them! Check out the ribbing around the knees – isn’t that fun?

One last Sweet P & Fi piece you may have missed in this outfit – those leather earrings! Molly makes them all herself and they are SO reasonably priced. I picked some brown snakeskin-like leather to go with all the warm autumn colors and I adore them!

I can’t tell you enough how much I love Sweet P & Fi. Molly has great taste and is very picky about what she adds to her shop. She also cares about giving her customers a good deal. Her prices are AMAZING and shipping is free! FREE! Here are a few of my other favorite pieces:

Pumpkin Spice Latte top (SUPER soft)

flowly floral top (from the awesome sale section)

Don’t forget – shipping is always free! You can’t beat that!

Two questions for you:

Do you have a fall uniform?
What Sweet P & Fi pieces are you loving?

Filed Under: deals, fashion, what I wore Tagged With: boutique, fall, fall fashion, fall outfit, fall style, fall uniform, fashion, leggings, tunic

Life Is Tough, But So Are You

September 23, 2016 by Erin

This post contains affiliate links. I received the tee to review for this post. All opinions are 100% my own.

I have a problem when life sends tough stuff my way. I tend to focus on the tough stuff and not on the way through it. I wallow. I worry. I complain. Life is tough, and I don’t like it.

I’m really thankful God is growing me in this area and doesn’t allow me to stay in that place for long. Life IS tough, but so am I. I didn’t always think this way. Strong and tough were not labels I would have always claimed. That has changed over the past fifteen years because I’ve been through moments that required strength I didn’t even know I had. Rather than focus on the fear, worry, or discouragement I felt in those tough moments, I choose to focus on the toughness inside of me that carried me through and brought me out a better person on the other side.

What are those tough moments in your life that uncovered your strength?

For me, three particular times of my life come to mind. These are all very positive events in my life, but they each required (or still require) all the toughness I could pull together.

Childbirth
Motherhood
Running a marathon

Childbirth and running a marathon tested my body beyond what I ever imagined, but they also maxed out my mental toughness. I have so much joy associated with the memories of giving birth to our boys and crossing that marathon finish line, but I also knew that I could do just about anything if I could make it through those exhausting feats.

Motherhood is a whole different kind of tough and this is where I needed (and still need) the biggest mental adjustment. It is also where I need the strength of God inside me most. Raising children is no joke, people, but it is some of the most important work I will do. My children will make mistakes, butt heads with me, and need the same lessons taught to them many times. We’re all sinners and life together is messy. When it gets tough, I need to not feel defeated or discouraged, but rather repeat to myself: “This is tough, but so are you.”

Now I have the shirt to remind me:

When I don’t have the toughness I need, I know God is there to strengthen me and to surround me with family and friends that will hold me up and call out that strength. We need to be those people for each other.

I know so many people going through hard things – illnesses, divorce, natural disasters, job loss, etc. I wish I could give each of you a great big hug, pray with you, then remind you that you are just as tough as those circumstances. Let’s be done with despair and defeat and worry. I’m ready to embrace my toughness with a smile.

The new “Life Is…” t-shirt line from Cents of Style captures all of life perfectly. Life is tough, but it is also beautiful, sweet, grand, and an adventure. However you see life or WANT to see life, one of shirts will speak to you!

The “Life Is” collection launches today with a fabulous sale! Pick your favorite shirt and use the code LIFEIS1 at checkout to get it for just $15.95 with free shipping! That is a huge steal for these gorgeous, high quality tees.

How do you see life? How do you want to embrace this life? Grab a shirt today to claim that vision!

Filed Under: deals, family, fashion, get dressed, inspiration, motherhood, Uncategorized, what I wore

The Best of Fall Fashion!

September 21, 2016 by Erin

This post contains affiliate links. I received the sweater to review for this post. All opinions are 100% my own.

This time of year is a struggle for me. The calendar says fall starts this week and it is my FAVORITE SEASON EVER. The temperatures this week, however, are still screaming SUMMER. I really don’t like that at all. While I hide from these 90º days, I’m going to dream of sweaters and jeans and boots until they become a reality.

Thankfully, Cents of Style is there to indulge my love for fall fashion with the most amazing pieces to wear this season. I’ve picked out a few of my favorites from their new releases, but it only scratches the surface! Let’s start with these fabulous fall fashions:

clockwise from top left

Jessa Diamond Sweater Kimono – more details AND a sweet discount later in the post!
Tobin Cut Out Ankle Bootie – I love this new take on the ankle boot this year. The cut-out detail gives it so much fun flair!
Diana Geometric Cutout Dangle Earrings – Fall screams gold to me. I love the warmth of it paired with browns and reds and oranges. These make a statement – and kind of look like leaves!
Rylan Crochet Peasant Tunic – I adore this color and tunics are my favorite. Paired with jeans, boots, and those gold earrings…ah, fall perfection.
Nisha Wool Panama Hat – Everybody needs a great fall hat. Go with a brown one like this to complement the colors of autumn!
Esther Wood and Gold Cuff Bracelet – More gold jewelry, I know, but doesn’t your arm deserve to get in on the fall fun? Love this bold, but simple cuff! And the wood accents are genius!
Lexia Geometric Kimono – If you live in a place with a warmer fall, this lightweight kimono might be more appropriate. I just can’t get over the fun geometric pattern and fringe!
Giovanna Glass Bead Necklace – Long tassel necklaces pair perfectly with long sweaters and skinny jeans. The camel color is very in this fall, so this necklace will match every outfit!

Now back to that diamond sweater kimono…

THIS is the reason I want the temps to cool down. I want to wrap myself up in sweaters that feel like blankets and not sweat to death!

A sweater kimono is a layering piece to take everywhere with you this fall. I’m picturing a hayrack ride or bonfire…pardon my daydreaming, but I just want to go there right now! The key to pulling off this look with a heavier piece on top is to keep the pants nice and sleek. I would opt for skinny jeans or leggings with boots to complete the fall look!

You have to get your hands on this sweater kimono, so we’re offering you a deal! Use the code KIMONOHOME at checkout to get the Jessa Diamond Sweater Kimono for only $17.95, including free shipping!

The sweater kimono is available in four great colors (navy is sold out – bummer) that will make any fall outfit pop AND keep you nice and snug. The black is stunning, the gray makes a subtle statement, and the burgundy is bold and beautiful!

I needed a brown sweater to round out my fall wardrobe and this one is it. I’m picturing it layered over burnt orange, plum, and, of course, lots of cream or white. So many options, and it has the cutest wood buttons on the sides to create sleeves!

Go grab your sweater kimono for just $17.95 with code KIMONOHOME before they sell out!

Which color did you choose? What are your fall fashion favorites from Cents of Style?

Filed Under: deals, fashion, Uncategorized, what I wore

The Boot & Scarf Combo Sale is Better Than Ever!

September 16, 2016 by Erin

This post contains affiliate links.

This is my very favorite sale from Cents of Style every year, but I think this year is the best yet!

On this fourth anniversary of Fashion Friday, Cents of Style is celebrating by offering the boot and scarf combo with the pieces every woman needs this fall: ankle boots and a blanket scarf! When you use the code FOURYEAR, you’ll get the boots AND scarf for only $29.95 with free shipping! CRAZY GOOD DEAL!

I wasn’t sure how I felt about ankle boots for a long time, but last year, I fell in love with them.

Skinny jeans, wide leg jeans, even a dress pairs perfectly with ankle boots! The ankle boots in this sale come in four great colors: black, tan, taupe, and burgundy.

After you’ve picked out your favorite ankle boot, just pick out your favorite of the six blanket scarves offered in this deal, enter the code FOURYEAR at checkout, and you’ll get everything for $29.95 shipped! I ADORE my Cents of Style blanket scarves!

I am just dying over these fabulous combos for fall:

I really need to pick quickly, and you should, too, because this deal always sells out FAST! You can use the code FOURYEAR to get the ankle boot/blanket scarf for only $29.95 shipped through Sunday, September 18th!

Grab your combo, then tell me what you picked in the comments!

Filed Under: deals, fashion

The Ethically-Made Tunic

September 1, 2016 by Erin

I am an Elegantees ambassador. I received this tunic at a discounted price and receive a commission when you purchase with my discount code at no extra cost to you!

Tunics are a wardrobe staple for me. I can pair them with leggings, skinny pants, or jeans. A tunic can be dressed up or down easily with the right accessories and shoes. And tunics are oh-so-comfy!

Yes, I love tunics, but I’ve discovered one stands above the rest for an important reason: it is ethically-made and provides meaningful employment for women rescued from sex trafficking in Nepal!

Elegantees is a favorite shop of mine because of their mission AND gorgeous designs. Elegantees designs are what I would consider “basics with a flair.” Their tops and dresses can be worn so many ways. I was so excited when they asked me to share one of their latest designs which just launched today!

The Madeline is a fabulous dropped shoulder, a-line tunic. It is both comfortable and classic. The navy will transition so well into all the fall outfits I have planned, particularly with boots and skinny pants!

One of my favorite things about the Madeline is the length. Some “tunics” these days are not quite long enough to cover my behind, but the Madeline does so quite well. I am 5’6″ and wearing an XS, so I think you’ll be quite happy with the length no matter your size!

It may seem weird to be excited about this, but the Madeline tunic is also MACHINE WASHABLE! As a busy mom, I do not do well with “hand-wash only” items. I just can’t do it. I need pieces I can wear and wash and wear over and over again!

The Madeline tunic also comes in beech (olive green) and marsala (soft rose/pink). I am seriously considering adding both to my fall wardrobe because I LOVE THIS TUNIC.

Elegantees has so many great fall pieces in their line right now – you MUST get to shopping. I even have a discount for you – use “homewiththeboys” to get 10% off your entire order! Please let me know if you have questions about sizing, etc. I’m happy to help because I am happy, regular Elegantees customer! It’s pretty amazing to know the clothes you love to wear are also employing women who have been freed from the sex trade. When you get your first piece with this tag, you’ll know how I feel:

Which Elegantees items will you be adding to your wardrobe?

What are your favorite ways to wear tunics?

Filed Under: capsule wardrobe, deals, ethical fashion, fashion, reviews, what I wore

It’s a Sister Thing

August 19, 2016 by Erin

This post contains affiliate links.

My sister and I have not lived in the same place during our adult years. Despite the miles between us, we are closer than ever. Marriage and motherhood have given my sister and I so much to bond over. She is a wonderful aunt to our boys, and her two daughters and my three boys just adore each other! We only live less than three hours apart, so I’m thankful we get to see each other in person several times a year. And phone calls are a must, when we can find a few minutes of quiet!

Now we’re adding another bonding experience. This fall, my sister and I will do something we’ve never done before: take a sisters-only trip! The trip is about sister time and being able to chat for hours without kids interrupting us (YAY!), but it’s also about another shared interest: running!

My sister ran my first 5K with me and I had the fun privilege of running with her for her first half marathon last fall. Next up is our sisters trip to run another half marathon together! We’ll also get some fun shopping and relaxing time before and after the race and I CANNOT WAIT!

Sis, if you’re reading this, I am super thankful for you and for the way our relationship has grown better and better over the years. I have a little present for you to celebrate our trip and our friendship. (I just borrowed it for a few minutes for this photo shoot, but it’s all yours!)

I like to wear reminders of the things that are important to me and I like to give gifts that do the same. This rose gold “Sister” necklace is both meaningful and fashionable – does it get any better?! I know it will look perfect on my gorgeous sister!

Cents of Style has so many great necklaces to celebrate the things important to us in their Tribe collection and they are just $11.99 each with free shipping when you use the code TRIBE4 at checkout! Just look at all the amazing choices in this collection:

At this price, I think I need go order a few more for myself (since the sister one is for my sister!) and as gifts!

What Tribe necklace will you be ordering during this sale? Don’t forget to use the code TRIBE4 and order before this sale ends!

Filed Under: deals, family, fashion, gifts Tagged With: cents of style, gift, necklace, sister

A “Be Brave” Update & Sale!

July 20, 2016 by Erin

I received the featured product to review from Cents of Style. All opinions are 100% my own. This post contains affiliate links.

It’s been two months since I first wrote these words…

I feel just about everything except brave today.

I felt brave seven months ago when I decided I would train for my first marathon the following spring.

I felt brave when I filled out my registration for the Fargo Marathon and sent it in.

I felt brave as I started my marathon training plan in February with my eyes set on conquering my next running goal.

I even felt brave as I finished my 20-miler a month ago, the longest run I would do during my marathon training.

Today, the day before my first marathon, those brave feelings escape me, so I’m writing this now to remind myself of the brave moments that led me to this one.

I’m also writing this to remember that I am not brave on my own. I am brave because my God looks at me and says, “You can be brave because I am with You.”…

I’m wearing my Be Brave shirt from Cents of Style today as we drive north to Fargo for my first marathon. It is just the encouragement I need running through my head as the time to run (a REALLY long way) draws closer. Be brave – embrace it with me (and maybe pray for an extra does of it for me?!) today!

Just a few days later, I completed my first marathon and it was incredible. You can read all about the race here, but you should know that running those 26.2 miles made me feel like I could do just about anything. Two months later and I’m still feeling that bravery. I even signed up for my second marathon!

Do you need a reminder to be brave? Or be still? Or be kind or bold or true?

The whole line of “Be Series” tees from Cents of Style is on sale today only for just $15.95 each + free shipping with the code BRAVE1 at checkout!

Pick your word and grab your tee during this great sale – I know you will be inspired wearing your reminder!

Which of these words do you want to BE?

Filed Under: deals, fashion, inspiration, what I wore

Just Be Kind

Which “BE” message is your favorite and why?

Thankful, Grateful, Blessed, and a FREE Tee!

What are you thankful for today?

The Swing Dress

What color should I buy next? What color is your favorite?

My Fall Uniform

Two questions for you:

Life Is Tough, But So Are You

The Best of Fall Fashion!

Which color did you choose? What are your fall fashion favorites from Cents of Style?

The Boot & Scarf Combo Sale is Better Than Ever!

Grab your combo, then tell me what you picked in the comments!

The Ethically-Made Tunic

Which Elegantees items will you be adding to your wardrobe?

What are your favorite ways to wear tunics?

It’s a Sister Thing

A “Be Brave” Update & Sale!

Which of these words do you want to BE?

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