Summer Reading

Posted on June 12, 2014 by Adorned with Blessings

Every summer the kids work on some extended learning workbooks such as these:

We also let them pick out something fun from the bookstore as a reward for a successful school year, and a kick-off to summer! This year the girls picked a journal to write their thoughts and doodle.

Here are some similar diaries and one for boys too!

Doodle Diary

All About Me Lock & Key Diary

Doodle Sketchbook: Art Journaling for Boys

Visiting the local library is a regular weekly treat throughout the year, but over the summer months we add audio books to our checkout pile. These are a few that our family has enjoyed over the years:

Island of the Blue Dolphins

The Runaway Dolls

Because of Winn-Dixie

A short list for reading pleasure and read aloud:

The Bridge

Crown and Jewel

20,000 Leagues Under the Sea

A Visitor for Bear

A Bedtime for Bear

Little Cub

We would love to hear your recommendations! Our summer has just begun!

Fashion Friday

Posted on May 30, 2014 by Adorned with Blessings

A hi-lo skirt, Ebay purchase, Mother’s Day gift, and AWANA. What possibly do these four things have in common? My outfit!

This hi-lo skirt has been waiting in my closet anticipating to be worn. I knew that when I received this purse as a Mother’s Day gift (featured on my pintrest “Mother’s Day Gift Ideas” board) this skirt was going to have its moment!

Not only did the purse inspire me to wear my skirt, but it also was a perfect match for my Seychelles! These shoes are where eBay comes into the picture. Like many people, I was skeptical to purchase a pair of shoes on auction. But because I knew my size for this particular brand, I felt assured they would fit. When eBay said I won these puppies…I really did win, at over 75% off! Don’t shy away from eBay if you are looking for a particular pair of shoes and can’t seem to find them anywhere. Or think about this, did you ever own a pair of shoes you loved and wished you bought another pair because you were afraid they weren’t around anymore? Check Ebay. Surprisingly, people clear out their closet finding shoes they never wore but purchased thinking they would.
Now as I put my ensemble together, it was missing an accessory…enter, the owl necklace. This necklace has an endearing memory associated with it. My daughter used her hard earned AWANA bucks to buy me something special. She memorized bible verses, prayed during club, participated, volunteered, etc. to receive these bucks. I wear this necklace with great joy! It along with my Mother’s Day purse indeed make me feel “Adorned with Blessings!”

Appropriate: for Church

Affordable & Accessible:
Skirt: Ross
Shoes: Seychelles via eBay
Purse: Anthropologie (gift from my husband and kids)

For more hi-lo skirt inspired outfits: check out my pins on pintrest

Happy Mother’s Day

Posted on May 11, 2014 by Adorned with Blessings

I’m blessed to be a mom! Happy Mother’s Day to my mom and all moms!

Fashion Friday

Posted on May 9, 2014 by Adorned with Blessings

Distressed jeans have surprised me. I didn’t think I would like them at first. But I have grown to love this particular pair. It all started at the Clearance rack at Target. I spotted these for approximately $5.99. I believe they were in the 75% off section. Since the price was right, I figured I’d take them home and give it a try. These jeans are currently my absolute favorite; not my Joe’s Jeans, not my Citizens…but Mossimo Supply Co. from Target! What makes this pair number one? Well, they meet two of my purchase requirements (Accessible & Affordable), they are super comfortable, and they are surprisingly stylish and Appropriate for a mom like me to wear. They bring the fun and adventure to my otherwise conventional outfit.

One thing you must know about me, I am a bargain shopper. It is on a very rare occasion that I will pay full price for an item. I prefer to shop clearance primarily.

My clearance shopping mentality:

Do not purchase an item just for the discount.
Ask yourself, “Would I pay full price for this item?”
Or, “Would I be able to get this somewhere else for less?”
Do consider purchasing an item if it is something you have been looking for or have been waiting to go on sale.
Shop 50-75% off. The 25-30% off are great deals and probably items still in season, but only make the purchase if you can’t wait for the deeper discount or believe it will be gone before then.

The place where I find the best clearance deals is Target. Which brings me to my top for this particular outfit; it was a recent purchase for $11.48. That’s right, my outfit (top & bottom) is less than $20!

Here are some similar outfits

a house in the hills

sincerely jules

So, where do you find the best clearance deals? And did you ever take a risk on a purchase to later find it was the deal of the “century”? I would love to know!

Appropriate: for a Mom’s Night Out

Affordable & Accessible:
Top: Target (similar)
Jeans: Target (similar)
Tote: Franco Sarto via TJ Maxx
Sandals: Old Navy
Sunglasses: DKNY (2009)

For more distressed jean looks: check out my pins on pintrest