What I Wear-New Post Series Announcement, Goodwill And The New Year

I'm wearing-Shirt-thrifted $2//Skirt-Thrifted $0.50//boots-Forever 21 $25//hat-Rue 21 $5.50

Am I the only one who thinks Goodwill's prices are obscenely high now on a lot of things!? It's gotten to the point where I only shop the 1/2 off tags! How does $20 for a stretched out, pilling sweater constitute "thrift store" prices? 

End of Goodwill rant....

I'm super excited to be announcing my "THM Tuesday" post series! I've held off doing this as I didn't want to flood my fashion blog with tons of recipes. However, after receiving a ton of comments from people saying they want more posts on healthy eating/fitness, I'm answering! So I will attempt to mesh fashion and food...

With it being January, a lot of people are starting new diets and making resolutions to eat better and/or lose weight. We'll see how my THM Tuesdays go and then decide from there if I'll continue. My goal is to post every Tuesday with something related to THM (http://www.trimhealthymama.com) 

I'm going to start my series off by sharing a few tips I've learned since starting THM in August 2013;

1. Stevia is not sugar. Strange statement you say? Not really! For me, coming from only using sugar, I didn't realize you use A LOT less of stevia than you would sugar! It took me awhile before I found out that if you add too much stevia it gets an icky biting/metallic/bitter aftertaste. So if you're starting out with stevia, be careful and don't use too much! Taste, add more, taste again and so forth till you know how much you like.  

2. If you want to keep fresh ginger around the house, wash the ginger root, toss it in a bag and freeze it. Then when you want to use it, simply grate it (grind, chop, etc.). I prefer fresh ginger in my 
GGMS, versus the ground. (I also add a drop of cinnamon essential oil and a dash of cinnamon 
powder for blood sugar benefits)

3. Freeze heavy whipping cream in an ice cube tray and you have it on hand for much longer than you can keep it fresh in the fridge.

4. If you have any questions, join the THM facebook support group! (I would also be happy to answer any questions you have!)

5. Pretty much anything on Briana's site is amazing! 

6. And last but not least, you get to have homemade pizza on THM! We make our pizzas personal size, be sure to only use a roll size amount of dough so you don't have more than the carb allotment of 45grms. With personal pizzas you can also control the fat content and be sure no one is having too many carbs. I've found that using a plastic rolling pin is best, very time I use wooden, the dough sticks horribly. I think it's because the wood is porous and soaks up the water in the bread dough. (Also, please be sure to ferment your bread for AT LEAST 72hrs, otherwise it's not sourdough (the fermentation process eats the carbs).

(Gwen's sourdough velveeta shreds, turkey pepperoni, jalapeños, green chile, mushrooms-this is an "E" )

My thoughts on a controversial/heated discussion-Guest Post!

Guest post at "Uniquely You"

Head over there and read my thoughts in skirts vs. pants! While you're at it, follow Ellie for even more modest fashion!

What I Wear-Doctor Who Inspired Wear (Military Style Leather Jacket)

 

Though I'm running the risk of seeming a bit obsessed with Doctor Who-this jacket is so Martha/Rose! No?

I scored this lovely military inspired leather jacket at a thrift store for $5.99! Unfortunately, I'm finding it a bit hard to style! It's sort of bluish-black-which I think makes it hard to style. How would you style this jacket?

I paired the jacket with a floral dress (also thrifted) as well as black leggings and boots from Go Jane. I also painted my nails with this awesome milk chocolate colored polish I got from (of all places) Walgreens!  

What I Wear-Burnout Tee And

When at all possible, I like to respond to my readers comments privately, however, I thought this one would be something other people might be interested in. 

           Andie Asked:"How do you care for your long hair? (shampoo,conditioner,etc) Andie :)"  

I'm far from the healthiest person, however I like to keep the food I eat and the products I put on my hair/body as natural as possible. In the last few years I did a little research on shampoo, coming to the conclusion that I no longer wanted to use shampoos with sulfates. The sulfates in regular shampoo actually strip you hair! Which can lead to thinning, unhealthy hair. So I switched to sulfate free shampoo. I currently use: L'oreal Reconstruct sulfate free shampoo and conditioner, Organix shampoo and conditioner and Renpure shampoo and conditioner. All are sulfate free and made of natural ingredients. They are a bit expensive (we only buy shampoo when it's on sale, or we have a coupon). A great way to get shampoos cheap is to look out for mail-in-rebates hanging on the bottle. I've gotten several Renpure shampoos and conditioners free by using mail in rebates.

I also think that vitamins and a good diet are essential for caring for your hair. I used to take Folic acid and fish oil, but switched to a multi-vitamin that includes folic acid and many others.

It's important to keep long hair conditioned and healthy, I try to do a mayo hair mask (basically you smear mayo all over your hair and let it sit for 20-30 minutes under a plastic bag on your hair) every so often. I also really like the L'oreal intensive night repair creme-it doesn't leave your hair oily at all! Surprising since it feels super oily going on. I also try to drink plenty of water (this also helps skin in addition to hair).

Being gentle with your hair is important, combing it whenever possible, not brushing it while wet, etc. Keeping it trimmed when the ends become split or scraggly is also important (though painful if you're trying to grow it out!).
Hope this answers your question!

Anything my readers can add from your personal experiences?

Fur Purse-Do It Yourself!

So I've been coveting some purses that sport fur covering. I also happened to see that the price tag said $32. Not that much for some, but a whole lot of money for a purse by my standards. So what did I do? I made one! I took a $6 purse from Payless, fur from Joanns and 'voila! Fur purse! As to how I did it? Really I have to give credit to my mom. She helped me cut the right amount of fabric, and then I pinned the fur on and stitched up! Fairly easy and I did it in only an hour or so! Fast fashion! I have another purse I'm covering with fur, and I'm planning a short fur vest. And the rest? That's up to you!

What else can I use my fur for?No idea is too crazy!

What I Wear- Finally Back!

Well, I'm finally back from my 10 day trip! I can't believe I haven't posted in 15 days. You can see what I was up to in Colorado tomorrow. I took about a billion photos, so it's taking forever to load!

 My closet is slightly ravaged after the trip-I have like three shirts hanging in my closet. This shirt I pulled out of my luggage, the only one I didn't wear. My bangs look awful in these pictures because I'd just hopped out of the shower and realized I hadn't taken an outfit photo in forever! Thus, what you see is what you get.

You all are amazing followers! I now have 198 followers! I'm super excited to 'meet' all of you, and I look forward to hearing from all of you via comments. I'll try very hard to take outfit pictures soon (these are from yesterday). Just so all of you know, Summer is here in Montana! It's supposed to be 86 deg. today! YIKES! The land of extremes! Going from 56 deg. to 86 deg. is weird, but I'm looking forward to enjoying my Summer. Hopefully planting a garden! More on this later...   

What I'm Wearing- Black Shirt PacSun, Scarf Plato's Closet, Khaki skirt Goodwill.

I have a ton of stuff to catch up on, so I must leave you with this:

Tell me 1 interesting fact about you!

What I Wear- Maxi With Stripes And Trends

Good news? It's not snowing! Bad news? It's chilly outside. So bear with me as I continue to wear long sleeves.

I'm hoping to go to Spokane WA sometime in May (if we can convince my dad to go). I'm pulling the 'it's my birthday month' card. Spokane is like seriously mall heaven! I'm most looking forward to Forever 21, anyone else shop their? I'm mostly attracted to the cheap prices on trendy stuff. $2-$5 for a necklace is like a Claires sale-almost! I believe in dressing frugally, while still keeping up with some of the trends. However, there is a line to draw (such as this years latest trend of 'under apparel' as clothing).

I'm wearing a cozy Striped Sweater from JcPenneys ($8) Long Maxi Dress From Quality Supply ($4) Borrowed blue scarf Cold Water Creek 

To let everyone know, I've updated my art blog if you'd like to see more of my artwork.

I've also been wondering if anyone would be interested in my drawing their portraits? If so, email me the photo-or leave a link to the picture. The picture needs to be clear, and average to large size (the smaller the harder it is for me to scale it up) I'll draw it, post it on my blog for you to see! I ask, because I'd love to draw some one's portrait that I actually can give to them, versus drawing pictures from strange people on Google images! *GRIN*  

What I Wear- Polka Dots And "Spring"

It's Spring, really?! Could have fooled me! I apologize for not having gotten an outfit post together for awhile! I put outfits togther, started to do my hair, by the time I was ready to get my picture taken it was snowing so bad I couldn't bring myself to go outside. It isn't acummulating to much, but it's snowing off and on on throughout the day. Which stinks, because it's muddy underneath the snow now! Everyone who has perspiration pouring down their faces, and sweat marks under their arms may laugh, but no one else! Everyone else can run off to their mediocre lives full of Spring whilst I romp through the snow. (Yes, I'm in a poetic mood)

Burgandy Shirt (Borrowed from Sister) Black Scarf Vanity ($5) Polka Dot Skirt thrifted ($4) Mary Jane Shoes 6pm.com ($30)

________________________________________________________________________________

We stopped by (of all places) Quality Supply, and I picked up two maxi dresses for $4 each! A steal! One black, one grey. I thought it would be fun to ask how you girls would style them? They're halter tops (which I'll be wearing a shirt under of course!)

Feeling...Stripey Blue, Oh Yeah! I'm Wearing Blue Stripes! Duhhh...

Hey everyone! Here's what I wore today..yep...I don't have time for chit chat, so leave me a comment! LOL! Post more soon.

Striped Blue Shirt Thrifted ($3.99) Black Sleeves Wal Mart ($5) Blue Jean Skirt Thrifted ($3.99) Black Combat Boots Wal Mart (borrowed)

What I Wear- Black And White And Purple!

So once again I come to you on my knees, begging for forgiveness for my bad Blogging ways. I get so behind sometimes, and this time I have no excuse! On the plus side, I've been getting 100% on my Algebra 2 math! Which is very exciting! Teaching Text books rock! And even though I have a bazillion and one things I need to be doing, I'd like to find some more books to read! Anyone have a suggestion? I'm currently reading The House on Malcolm Street by Leisha Kelly. Its been a superb book so far! By the way I have a book blog if your looking for reviews on books: http://www.booksnobreviews.blogspot.com/ I also have a Goodreads account! Add me as a friend! Just make sure you mention that your from my blog, otherwise I'll think your weird and not add you! *GRIN* Goodreads Account Link

I wore this outfit Sunday (yesterday) but forgot to take pictures! So I wore it again today, and paired it with different shoes, tights, added long sleeves because I was outside and did my hair different. So basically its not the same outfit...kind of...did I just totally talk in circles?  

So good news, I got back to my regular exercise program with Turbo Jam! But unfortunately, I'm dying during the 40 min. Workout! But it does work, I gained an inch pretty much everywhere, and lost it in 4 days! So keeping up your intensity, and sticking it out has its rewards!

I really enjoyed hearing all the different forms of excercise all of you enjoy!

Black Long Sleeve Shirt Wal Mart ($5) White Button Tank Wal Mart ($1) Purple Sweater Thrifted Relativity ($2.50) White Skirt With Black Embroidered Flowers Thrifted ($2.99) Black Tights Wal Mart($5) Black boots Bear Paw (Borrowed) 

What I Wear- 50's Knee Length Wool Skirt

Did you know people make mean comments sometimes because they're hurting inside? I had a lady at a thrift store once make a rude comment to me. After that I wasn't particualry glad to see her.

 However I was glancing through the clothes one day and heard her talking to a co-worker. Her husband had cancer, she was deciding wether or not to put her mom in the nursing home, she was going through some tough stuff! Our natural reaction when someone says something about us, is to say something back just as mean. However, thats not the reaction God wants us to have.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also."  Matthew 5:38-39

Ouch. Yep, give him the other cheek! That applies to rude anonymous commenters on your blog as well. I've been on the receiving end of those comments, and they hurt. But the best thing to do is let it roll of your back, and ask God to help you love that person, in spite of what they may say. There's a big problem in the online world with bullying. Its so easy to just write whatever venemous thought comes into our minds, and not have to live with the consequences! If your having a problem with rude comments I suggest you first don't post about the comments, and turn the anonymous commenting off. Let me know if you need help with this. Moderating your comments is also a big help. Another idea is to have someone else check the comments, that way you don't have to read all of them! But ultimatley, I think people who leave those comments have a heart problem. Maybe they have gone through some tough things this year, try to remember that. Heap burning coals on their head by being the nicest you can to them. Its been my experience that people who say mean things are usually hurting inside, and lash out at other people. Not logical, but true.

 Anyways, I'm wearing a cold weather outfit today. Wool skirts are amazing inventions! So warm and cute!

What I Wear-

Black Shirt Herbegers ($5) Black Ruffle Shrug Ross ($10) Black Belt Maurices ($5) Wool Skirt Thrifted Pendelton ($3) Black Tights Wal Mart ($5) Ballet Flats Payless ($8)

QUESTION: DO YOU OWN A WOOL SKIRT?

What I Wear- Word On The Street About eShakti

 I was contacted by eShakti and asked to review a product! I chose this vintage inspired dress, which I must say I'm very happy with! Shipping from India, you would think it would take a long time, nope! They shipped it on the 20th of January, and I received it today (the 24th!) So I was very happy with the shipping time!

In case your wondering, Shakti means power in Sanskrit. eShakti therefore means the power of the Net.

Power indeed! You can customize almost everything including: sleeve, neckline and length! They come in sizes

0-26W, and recently extended the sizes up to 6X for some of the items!

The most appealing to me being the length and and neckline. It can be so hard sometimes to find clothing that is modest, and this way you can choose!

You can get custom sizing/custom tailoring for only $7.50! It was really easy to submit all the information, and I was pleased overall with my experience.

The only complaint I had, was that they had way too many cute dresses to pick from! LOL! : ) But thats not really a negative thing! ; )

I'm very happy with the length- about two inches below the knee. While I don't usually wear orange, this dress kept calling to me! With faint butterflies and phonographs, how can you go wrong?! On the left side of the skirt is also an embroidered accent of a phonograph and a butterfly in black. I think the pieces that makes it so vintage is the phonograph/butterfly and the cute collar. I picked the short sleeves, as I figured that way I can wear the dress in the Summer, and pair it with a jacket in Winter! All in all, a great experience! I encourage you to check out their items. If your new to eShakti, you can take $20 off your first order! Plus you get FREE shipping on orders of $100+!

And if your a copycat (and who isn't!) you can buy my dress HERE! 

< Smocking on back of dress



QUESTION:Whats your favorite dress on eShakti?