Staying Warm

Today was so cold that they cancelled school. I guess a windchill of -40 isn't safe for kiddos to be walking around. Since I didn't have to work I spent the day hanging out and shopping with one of my very best friends! It was so much fun, we always have a blast talking with one another. We poked around in some shops, spent some time at the mall and ate a warm soup and salad lunch! Blissful. It was a sweater dress with another sweater piled on top kind of day. :)

A little bit of Narnia is always needed on a cold day!

 

Stay warm out there all you darlings!

God Bless, 

KJA

Psalm 86:5

You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you.

Wearing:

Cardigan- Vintage, Aunt's

Dress- Walmart

Boots- Sears

Earrings- Street vendor in Seattle

Leggings- Macy's

To Everything There is a Season

Apparently my style has become quite casual as of late. I have a few fancier outfits planned for the future, but for now I'm cozying up into comfort clothes-the ones I snuggle into when the temperatures drop. Nothing warms you up like an oversized cardigan and warm tights.

I had been looking for a pair of high waisted jean shorts and never found anything to my liking. I finally just decided to buy an oversized pair of jeans at the thrift store and make my own shorts! These are so comfy and this way I could ensure that they were long enough for my taste.

This blouse was my grandmother's. I love the pleated detail and tiny little collar. Plus the shade of baby blue is so pretty in any season-and the puffed sleeves don't hurt either! The necklace I got free in Shabby Apple's facebook giveaway a few weeks ago. Seriously, I just had to email them and then sent me a free necklace...can't get any easier than that! This one is a faux watch-the front even opens up, which I think is so fun.

Happy Wednesday Sweet Peas!

God Bless, 

KJA

Ecclesiastes 3:1

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the Heavens

Wearing:

Earrings- Forever 21

Necklace- Shabby Apple

Top- Grandmother's

Shorts, Belt, Cardigan- Thrifted/vintage

Shoes- Target

Tights- Walmart

Many are the Plans

Last Friday I wanted to feel particularly comfy at work, so I donned my oversized flannel button down and the coziest scarf I own. Suffice it to say casual Friday never felt so awesome. I love that I can pretty much wear whatever I want to work, it makes life so much easier!

So I'm not going to sugarcoat this week-it's only Monday evening and things have already been really tough at work. Some of the kids I teach at my afterschool program are just so challenging and it's taking a toll on me mentally and physically. I am in need of some prayer! Sometimes I'm not even sure I'm doing the right thing. Am I even any good at teaching? Is it the kids, or is it something I am doing wrong? Do I even want to be responsible for 20 little lives when I can barely take care of myself at times? There are days when I wish I would have figured out sooner that there were other things in life I could have done. I could have went to school for theatre, music, or fashion merchandising- but instead I decided to take the safest route possible (for me) and go to school for elementary education. I felt like it was the right decision at the time, but since I've started working different jobs in the field of education I'm finding more and more that I don't enjoy it and it is extremely stressful for me. What are my options now? I've just been thinking about a lot of things lately, thanks for bearing with me.

On a happier note, I called my mama and got to talk a bit about life. Also, Sean took me out to my favorite diner to make me feel better (we had some gift cards to use-bonus!). I got a grape soda and talked about everything and the world seemed a bit brighter after that. These days come and go :) I'm lucky to know that even when I feel a bit lost I always have direction and purpose in my Heavenly Father. I may not be loving some trivial things in life sometimes, but as long as my heart is with the bigger picture that is what matters. My Lord will never leave me, He is faithful and comforting. I know that in time He will lead me down the right paths and to the right people. Maybe there's a reason why I am at this place in life-perhaps there are people I need to interact with, relationships I need to make and build before moving on to the next stage in life. I just can't see the whole spectrum yet. Perhaps I never will-that is for my Jesus to decide! My older sister put it into words eloquently spoken to her by God. He gave her a story about a weaver weaving a beautiful tapestry on a loom. On one side, the picture is pristine and lovely-but on the other side it is full of tangles and knots-the struggles we must go through to weave our life's story. Read it here if you are interested. I know it touched my heart!

I didn't expect to write something so heavy when I sat down to my computer. I only hope that maybe it spoke to some who needed a little encouragement today! 

You are loved by God, and He sees how the trials and experiences you go through fit into the bigger picture-even if you can't sometimes.

God Bless, 

KJA

Proverbs 19:21

Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.

Wearing:

Flannel Shirt, Boots, Jeans- Thrifted

Scarf- Gift from my sister :)

Make a Date of it

Sean and I like to make a date out of grocery shopping. It makes it seem less like a chore and then I don't have to go by myself and end up coming home with things that I don't need. Like, ice cream or something (psh, who likes that stuff anyway? Certainly not me....). So that's what we did on Saturday. We got up, went to the store and wandered around for awhile. When we got home we had some lunch and made a stew to put in the slow cooker. What a delightful thing to have on a cold day! The rest of our day was spent doing laundry, washing dishes, and watching a late movie on the couch. A pretty low key Saturday :) 

 

 

Amazingly, this is the first time this winter I've worn my white coat! In winters past I've worn this baby nearly every day, so it was fun to pull it out again. By some stroke of incredible luck it has stayed white too-no slamming it in car doors or anything! One point for me!

I love how layer-able this dress is. When I bought it this summer I thought maybe it could only be a warm weather dress as it is a super light fabric. However it is perfect to bundle with blouses, cardigans, tights, or whatever! Plus, it is one of the more comfy dresses I own. I even did all the housework in it! Usually I can't do that until I've changed into sweatpants! Am I crazy, or is anybody else like that?

Ok, so I did have one weak moment where I ate this maple frosted cake donut. I never eat donuts if I can help it. I always turn them down, but once in a while I have to get a cake donut. They are pretty much childhood to me. There was a woman who would make little cinnamon ones and bring them to all the events around our small town. It was a treat once in a blue moon to get a bag of those to share with my sisters. Plus, how pretty does this one look?

And here was our stew. It was the most delicious thing ever. Just potatoes, carrots, seasonings, and a roast. Definitely worth the wait! I love slow cookers.

Hope your Sunday is as lovely as you are!
God Bless,
KJA

Ephesians 6:12-13
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

Wearing:

Earrings- Vintage Avon, from mama's jewelry box

Blouse, Brooch, Belt, Hat- Vintage, thrifted

Coat- Old Navy

Dress- Target

Tights, Socks- Walmart
Lips- Burt's Bees Lip Shimmer in Nutmeg

Layering Sweaters (Cardigan, Take Three)

I layered two of the warmest knits I owned this week to beat the cold. Yes, I look like a marshmallow. No, I do not care because I was as warm as that golden little marshmallow being held over the fire on a summer night. 

Bahaha, I'm terrible at analogies apparently. You get the idea ;)

Sean and I went to see Wreck it Ralph last night! It was really good. I didn't expect it to be a tear-jerker though! There were definitely some intense moments. Either kids movies are getting less cheesy, or I'm getting more sappy in my old age.

Sean and I have plans of glorious nothing this weekend. I hope to stay home and get some things done around the house-maybe even get a nap or two in! I'm a wild woman you know.

Happy Friday!

God Bless, 

KJA

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Wearing:

Necklace- Gift from my mama :)

Scarf, Sweater, Jeans, Cardigan, Belt- Vintage, thrifted

Shoes- Target

Gloves- Walmart

Cardigan Take Two

I wore this blush cardigan three times in a row after I got it. It is so thick and cozy-so perfect for the below zero temps we've been having. Plus, when I travel I like to pack versatile items like that so that I don't have such a heavy suitcase (I'm a notorious over packer)!

And the shoot would not have been complete without showing my puffy coat! I couldn't be outside without it. It's been so cold I've even kept my students in from recess for the past two days because it has just been unbearable. I brought out lots of crafts and things for them to do inside instead! It's funny how kids get so excited to have indoor recess. They think it's something really special.

When in doubt, a simple blouse, skirt, and cardigan will always look great. It's such a classic combination that will never go out of style. I like that one can still be playful with that combination though- go crazy playing with colors and textures! It never hurts to try different proportions too. A look can be so different when paired with a chunky knit cardigan as opposed to a short, fitted cardigan. Each displays a different persona and style. Plus the accessories you add to it will make it unique to you! I really believe that accessories are sometimes more important to a style than even the type of clothing.

I can't get enough of the pearls on this blouse. Such a great detail, and I couldn't resist wearing my pearl ring to go with it! Give me pearls over diamonds any day-what kind of girl are you?

I got a welcome early morning wake up call from my sister in Uganda this morning! It was the best thing to wake up to. I haven't gotten to speak to her very much because they don't have internet everywhere and our hours are so far apart. Skype is a wonderful thing. I got to see her beautiful, radiant face and just talk about how life has been for the both of us. I can't wait until she's back and all three of us sisters and my mama can get together and gab on and on like old times. I know I talk about them a lot- but they're my best friends! I'm so very thankful for them :)

Hope you have a happy Wednesday :)

God Bless, 

KJA

James 1:12

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

Wearing:

Hat- Old Navy

Necklace- Gift from mama:)

Ring- Charlotte Russe

Blouse- Kohl's

Skirt- Vintage, given to me by a friend

Cardigan- Vintage, thrifted

Tights- Gifted

Shoes- Kohl's