Spreading the love

Since it's Valentine's Day,  I thought it would be appropriate to share what's on my heart and spread a little love since it seems to be lacking in this country right now. I know I am only one person, but I am determined to change the environment around me with the words I am speaking and pray that it spreads to each and every one of you who has taken the time to stop by my little corner of the world. I read a quote recently; "change your thoughts and you change your world."

Can you imagine if each of us changed our thoughts and our words what an impact it would make not only on our own personal world, but on the entire world. Our words can be life or death (Proverbs 18:21) What have you been saying to yourselves and others? Listen, I am not condemning anyone, because I am just as guilty of falling into the habit of speaking negatively and complaining as much as the next person, but what I do know, is that when I make the choice daily to be positive, it not only affects my attitude but everyone around me as well. 

A few weeks ago I made the decision to "Break" Facebook with love. Recently, many of my friends have expressed that they were wanting leave Facebook because of all of the negativity.  I totally get it because I have been feeling the same way. But then, I got to thinking about it, and I have never been the type of person that just quits anything without a fight. So instead of leaving FB, I decided to "break" it with love and encouragement. I chose to do it for 21 days because "they" say if you do anything for 21 days straight, it becomes a habit right? So for the last 17 days I have been posting nothing but positive and encouraging quotes on my page, and I challenged everyone to do the same.

As of my 18th day, I am very happy to report that my news feed is once again a happy place, and my attitude is a lot better as a result of this little experiment. What are you doing to change your world? It only takes a little love to make a big difference!

Change your thoughts and you change your world.

 

Vest~Fabulous Furs (NLA) similar // Top~Nordstrom Rack similar // Jeans~Top Shop // Booties~Kendall and Kylie // Bag~Rebecca Minkoff // Sunglasses~Greene Street Consignment Shop

Put on love today and see what happens!!

Despite the rain in Maine

Yep. That's me wearing an Alpaca wool sweater in the middle of July. I had packed so many other cute outfits for our trip to Naples Maine, but unfortunately Mother Nature was not cooperating. It was a balmy 50 degrees and rainy the entire time we were there. 

But it wasn't really about the weather, it was about being together as a family. We were there visiting my Aunt and Uncle and cousins who we don't see often enough, and we weren't going to let a little rain stop us. So, Despite the weather, we were still able to go out on their boat, my husband got a little fishing in, and I got a little retail therapy in with with the girls (hence, the lobstah sweatah). There was no way I was leaving it in the store! That baby was coming home with me! Oops! Got off track. It's not about the sweater! It's not about the sweater! It's about family right? I think I love this sweater as much as I love my family. Is that possible? Sorry not sorry!

All kidding aside, we really did have a lovely time, and to tell you the truth, I am kind of happy that it rained the entire time because it forced us all to be inside together where we spent hours catching up, laughing, relaxing, and making fun memories. 

I read somewhere that "Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, but it's about learning to dance in the midst of the rain" and that the sun doesn't always have to be out to be thankful for what I have. 

I am so thankful for the awesome family God has given me. 

What are you thankful for?

Have a great weekend!

Lobster sweater// Jeans // Sneakers

I Promise

As most of you already know, my husband and I celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary in May. We have been home for two months now, and I still can't bring myself to switch my watch back to East Coast time, and we have also been binge watching Hawaii 5-0 since we have been home. Yes. I know, we're nerds.

When we were planning for our momentous occasion, we kept going back and forth between a trip, or a big party. I mentioned kind of casually to my husband, hey why don't we renew our vows in Hawaii and bring our best friends Pastor Dan and Margaret Hand with us, and then they can perform the ceremony. Before I knew it, he was dialing their number to see if they were available.

We have known this wonderful couple for 20 years, and they have been with us through it all. So it was an honor to have them with us to celebrate this special milestone. What an amazing trip! We met so many great people, and many of them wanted to know our secret to being married for 20 years. Simply said, God is at the center of our marriage. Yes. We have had our rough patches, and still do every once in awhile, but we work through them and pray them together and our marriage is even stronger now than it has ever been.

A few months ago, a very wise man and dear friend (Pastor Larry Hand) celebrated his 51st wedding Anniversary. His post on Facebook stuck with me and I think it's worth repeating. Here is his response to the many couples that think it's unusual to be married that long:

"I hear so often that marriage is hard, life is so hard. I don't think marriage or life is hard. I believe we make it hard by the way we allow ourselves to act, and say things that hurt and destroy each other. Actions and words will either build or tear down what you have. It's a choice. I preach often that marriage is the least place where the fruit of the spirit is practiced, and the greatest place where it is needed most. The greatest key is to never give up, family is too valuable". 

Wow! If that doesn't make you ponder a little bit, right? Is there fruit in your marriage or relationship?

What are some of your tips for a strong and healthy marriage? I would love to hear them.

Reading suggestion:

The Five Love Languages

Check out our vow renewal video here.

I promise to love you

and to always hold you close in my heart.

I will always stand by you,

to comfort, support and encourage you.

I will never take you for granted, but will always give thanks 

for your presence and the gift of your love.

I promise to respect you, to be faithful to you, 

and to cherish you today, tomorrow and always.

Have a love filled week!

What I wore: Dress ~ Shelly Glam Boutique (one of kind made exclusively for Shelly Glam)// Shoes ~ Zara (similar)// Hair by Sara at The Grand Hyatt Resort and Spa Kauai 
What he wore:Shirt ~ Pants ~ Polo by Ralph Lauren  // Shirt ~ Robert Graham // Shoes ~ Ferragamo

Count it all Joy!

I am absolutely loving this California December we have been having! These pics were obviously taken a few months ago when I styled one of my favorite summer dresses for the colder weather (which hasn't arrived yet, and I'm not complaining).

It's amazing how easy it is to be joyful when the temps are milder, things are going exactly how we planned, and life is good, isn't it? Being joyful in all things is definitely not easy. I failed that test big time when my suitcase went missing(it's still lost by the way) at Newark Airport upon returning from our trip to California last month. I wasted many precious hours of my life arguing with the airline and getting absolutely nowhere, my missing suitcase was consuming my every thought and starting to rent space in my head, so I finally surrendered it all to God in order to move on from it,. Sure this whole incident was extremely disappointing, but it's not life or death, and I will replace most of my things at some point, but did I handle the situation with joy? Not really. Lesson learned.

James 1: 2-3 says,  Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. Verse 5 continues with this; If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. The beautiful thing about God, is that he gives us grace to draw a line in the sand and start over each and every day.

This is the season for Joy, but I also recognize that this time of year can also be very difficult for many, some of you may be going through trials right now where you feel like your faith is really being tested, but count it all joy, because He will never leave you or forsake you, and His light will always shine through the darkness.

For us a child is born,

to us, a son is given,

and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Wishing all of you a Very Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with peace and joy!

Dress ~ Gap ~(similar)// Jacket ~ J.Crew// Booties ~ Rag and Bone// Bag ~ Vintage Coach// Wrap bracelet ~ Savvy Chic Consignment Boutique// Watch ~ Michael Kors (nla)//