Tulip Trench

I had been looking for a different trench coat for a very long time. The one that I wore previously was 25 cents at a rummage sale and while it fit, it was much too long for a shortie like me. I needed to wear heels with it to make myself look proportionate. A few weeks ago I found this alternative at my favorite thrift spot! It has a unique construction for a trench coat. The sleeves come together in almost a bubble shape, there is no collar, and the skirt meets in the middle like two petals, creating an interesting  look to it. I was smitten when I saw it and especially smitten with the fact that I had found a thrifted one!

I liked that I could layer my collar and necklace on the outside of the coat. In winter a lot of times one feels like they just cover up everything with their coat, but this way I can still show a bit of my personality with layering!

I forced the hubby to go shopping with me today (actually it was his idea because HE needs a new coat. Certainly not me :)). I found this necklace and ring at Charlotte Russe. I don't shop there much, but if I'm in the mood for accessories they're the place to go. Their prices are super cheap and if  it's something trendy one can't go wrong trying it out first rather than shelling out big bucks for something that you may not wear very much. I got this necklace and a set of six fun little rings for 10  bucks. Done deal!

I really wanted to showcase the blazer underneath, but we had a warm couple of days that led to a cold snap this afternoon and I wasn't about to go without a coat! You get the idea anyway :) Plus I love that the outrageous color of these tights seemed to match a hue within the plaid of the blazer-bonus!

Well my darlings, I hope you all have a lovely weekend. Tomorrow is my nephew's 4th birthday party-that little stinker isn't supposed to be growing up so fast! At any rate I will have a blast seeing family yet again. :)

God Bless all!

KJA

I have been reading through Job recently and marveling at so many things written in that book. The fact that there could still be praise left in Job's heart after everything he went through is astounding and such a great lesson for us to think on. I know that even when I have minute hardships it can sometimes be difficult for me to praise God in those situations. Job had literally EVERYTHING taken away from him, including his health, and he STILL praised the Lord. Job knew that we don't always see the big picture and that our suffering will produce strength in the long run. At the end, everything was restored to Job and the Lord blessed Him greatly. It just took a bit of trust and endurance.

Job 1:21

“Naked I came from my mother’s womb,
    and naked I will depart.^[c]
The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away;
    may the name of the Lord be praised.”

Wearing:

Blazer, Dress, Trench Coat, Bag, Belt- Thrifted

Shoes- Hand me down

Jewelry- Charlotte Russe

Tights- Target

New Year's Eve

I wore a really casual outfit for New Year's Eve. I was hanging out with some of my friends whom I only get to see once or twice a year. Even with seeing them so little I consider these people like my family. I've been attending/counseling at summer camp with some of them since I was 10 years old.  A few not as long, but it doesn't lessen their awesomeness any :) There is a family that opens up their beautiful home to us whenever we want to get together. They live way out in the country with some of the most lovely winter views surrounding their house. Oh how I would love to look out my window and just see beautiful countryside staring back at me!

When we got together there was lots of being silly, cuddling with a cat named Augustus and a dog named Dakota (or Henry, if you prefer ;)), and making of funny faces.

We played  balderdash into the wee hours of the morning. These people are master balderdash players. They come up with the most hilarious answers and we ended up laughing until our sides split. We also set off fireworks in below freezing temps. For some reason we all decided to traipse outside to watch them in the cold instead of through the window. Apparently we like danger.

I also got a couple of cool guys to model for me. Yup, put these two in a magazine and slap 'blue steel' right on there. Pure rugged awesome. 

I had Sean take a few snaps of me at home before we left. One of the most comfortable outfits I've worn in a while. I found another chambray at Target. I think I'm addicted. I love the 

coloring and detail on this one!

Please excuse my crumpled up Minion in the corner of the photo. Poor guy's a little strung out from playing with the nephews ;)

Hope you all had a great week! So glad Friday is here already. I had a few days off from teaching and now I need to play catch up! Hope you're weekend is just fine and dandy everyone :)
God Bless!
KJA


Micah 6:8
And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

Wearing:

Shirt, Pants- Target

Boots- Kohl's

Hat- Old Navy

Necklace- Thrifted

Rose Ring- Gift

Beaded Ring- Bought in Canada from a street vendor 

Some of my Favorites

I really have been living in this mustard beret this winter. It keeps my head toasty warm and the color goes with literally anything. I have a pink beret my sister got for me in France that I really need to be wearing more of too. Also, who knew I would fall in love with yellow legs? The subtle pattern of the dress has so many colors in it, and I decided to pull out the yellow tone in it :)

This is a dress I only pull out for the winter months as it is corduroy. It is incredibly comfortable though and surprisingly versatile as well. It is another one of my grandmother's pieces which just ups the awesome a bit :) Also, I didn't know I would be getting so much wear out of this scalloped jacket! I want to wear it with everything this winter!

Well, it was a nice break for a few days, but It's back to work today! I get so much accomplished on my days off, and then when I have to go back to work I become such a lazy lady again. Does that happen to anyone else? 

Also, I had just about the best New Year's ever with some of my very favorite people in the world. Pictures to come of that soon! :D

Have a happy day everyone!

God Bless,
KJA

Psalm 91:14

"Because  he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him;
    I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.

Wearing:

Dress- Vintage, Grandmother's

Beret- Gifted by my friend Alex

Tights- Target

Shoes- Kohl's

Jacket, Bag- Vintage

Snowflakes

Well, 2013 is officially upon us! As always it will take until, like, March for me to remember what year it is when asked to write the date. It's tradition. Since I was, you know, seven years old. Maybe someday I will get it right in the beginning :) I'm so excited for a new year and a fresh new start. It really is arbitrary because the 'New Year' is only one day after the old year, but somehow it feels like a time when one can start fresh and begin again. One of the things I really want to consciously work on going forward is time management. I need to make myself a schedule and stick to it so that I can accomplish more of the things I want to try. On the list is gaining back some of my old piano skills, writing a children's book, and learning some more blogging skills. I really would like to read a few more books as well, I miss pouring over novels like I did when I was in high school.

So, there are a few of my goals :)

One of my favorite things about winter weather is how beautiful the frost looks on the trees and hedges.  I tried to capture some of its loveliness, but sadly, the camera does not do justice to the intricacy of the snowflakes captured in ice. One wishes they could hold a snowflake in their hand to take home and keep. Unlike the leaves and flowers of summer, snowflakes cannot simply be pressed into a book or dried to preserve them. They must only be enjoyed for fleeting moments as they catch in your hair or on the shoulder of your coat, sticking only a second before they melt away, losing their ornate pattern. I must enjoy the beauty while I can, and then run inside for some hot chocolate! For snowflake hunting can be a chilly venture :)

This skirt is one of my grandmother's. I'm not sure which era it is from...I need to gain more knowledge about things like that...but it is perfect for wintertime. It is like a sweater skirt! So warm and cozy :). Plus it creates the perfect silhouette that I wanted, very 30s and 40s inspired. It is in pretty rough shape in some places, so it is possible that it belonged to my great grandmother. If I didn't grab hold of it, the beautiful garment likely would have disintegrated in an old moth chest. Now I can bring new life to it! I want to pair it with an oversized sweater and heels now for a different look :)
The sweater, scarf, and gloves are also my grandmother's. I found the scarf stuffed into one of the pockets of her old coats, so I carefully washed it and give lots of TLC to it now. It has the loveliest pattern and colors and is super soft. I believe it is silk! I can't believe it was just crumpled in a jacket pocket buried in an old chest. Oh how I love exploring! It's like a treasure hunt for me!

I finally made my first gif!! I was geeking out and got pretty excited about it, haha. Hope you have the chance to throw some snow around where you are, if you have snow that is!


God Bless and I  hope you have a very Happy New Year!
KJA

1 Peter 1:3-4
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you.

Wearing:
Sweater, Scarf, Gloves, Skirt- Grandmother's
Blazer, Hat, Bag, Belt- Vintage, thrifted
Boots- Kohl's