What We Wore Wednesday

Friends...it's Wednesday!

And, it's time for a little What WE Wore...

Sweet Caroline celebrated her FIRST birthday!

And, I sported some comfy clothes. 

 

I feel a little sorry for The Gunny.

It's pretty much gym clothes by the time we see each other in the evening.

 

 We had (notice I said "had") some beautiful weather, so I broke out the maxi dresses.  Maxis are a summer staple for me.  A friend on IG said they are her "summer yoga pants".  Can I get an AMEN??  This maxi & shirt came from Marshalls.  And the sandals I just picked up from Target.  The necklace is from Ocean Springs, MS.  A little town not far from The Gunny's birth place.

See, I told you....LOTS of workout gear.  But, the socks are my fave!  My mama gave me a 10 pack of these crazy socks for Easter.  I love them because they make me smile....even when I'm doing "hundreds" during Pilates.  Lord, help me.

I picked up this Ann Taylor Loft shirt at the thrift store.  Paired it with an OLD Macy's skirt & the same sandals from Target...which were deceivingly comfortable in the store.  And, not so much once you wear them for a while. (boo)

 Again, with the gym clothes.  And, having a little dance party/freak out session in the gym bathroom after I got 3 miles in under 30 minutes! Wahoo!

 

 Ry Guy had his ROTC awards on Saturday night.  It was a beautiful evening.  I wore a slouchy Target sweater, some thrift shorts & Charlotte Russe heels.

Thrift dress for $5!  Seriously!  Ralph Lauren belt & Guess sandals.  Some Target bangles & the necklace is from Everyday Icing.

 And, then...it got cold AGAIN.  So, I had to rethink all my clothes for this week.  Thrift white sweater, Target scarf, cropped pants from TJ  Maxx & some earrings my mama gave me.  I have also been having some serious foot issues due to the running.  Lots of ice.  Lots of stretching.  Maybe a few bad words.  

And, guess what....this week THREE people played along for What WE Wore Wednesday...how awesome is that???  Made my whole week!

First up, Kiersten is back this week with her super cute Easter outfit!

Kiersten got her top & pants at Gap on clearance!  Plus, her shoes & necklace at Payless on clearance!  HOLLA!  Love this spring look!  Kiersten definitely does the statement necklace right!

And, we have Gillie in her Easter dress!  Gillian's mama says that Gillie has become quite the avid thrifter & picked this dress up at a resale shop!  Her cardi is from New York & Co.  I absolutely LOVE that dress!  Great style!

And, my beautiful & talented friend, Roo.  Roo's brother & I were in the same graduating class at a small Christian high school.  Roo was younger than us.  Even in high school, this girl had a sense of style like NO other.  It runs in the family.  There are seven kiddos...all amazingly talented.  Roo is an interior designer & travels the world.  She really should have her own blog as she is MUCH more interesting than me!  I totally wanna be her when I grow up.  I also want to live in her house & wear her clothes.  And, now I just sound creepy.  So, let's just get on with it!

 Perforated leather top from Kohl's (which now I can shop at Kohl's & feel hip because Amy does!), emerald green brocade trousers from Old Navy, jeweled collared necklace from Forever 21, leopard print heels by Nine West via DSW.  Absolutely beautiful!  

So, there you have it!  What WE Wore Wednesday!  Now, it's time for you to play along!
Send your #ootd to me & all the deets at justjilly@rocketmail.com.  I can't wait to see What YOU Wore.

Happy Wednesday! 

Flash Back Friday: Camp Mac

 I thought it might be fun to revisit some of my kiddo's past parties & such.  

This was McQuiston's 9th birthday.

Camp Mac:  Bowes' Birthday Bash 2007

 

We held Mac's party at a local park & rented out one of the shelter houses.

We kept it simple with the food just grilling burgers & dogs.

And, then had all of Mac's favorite foods on the side.  

How cute is my Mackey?

What's camp without a campfire?

This cake was SOOOO easy!

I took 3 pound cakes & iced them.  Used fruit by the foot for the flames.  Brownies mushed up to look like charcoal briquettes & sprinkled with powdered sugar so they looked ashy.  And, marshmallows on skewers. 

 Gummy bears were a fave!

 My sweet Reilly. Such a doll baby.  Miss those days!

When you just recently became a single mama, and money is tight...you use trash bags for gunny sacks. (smile)  They didn't know the difference.

I was using mason jars (actually Classico spaghetti jars) back in 2007 before it became cool.  I filled these with dried pinto beans & put tea lights in them & tied them with ribbon.

 

Cutting the cake!

Silly sweaty boys.

This is a favorite of my kiddos & ALL their friends!

I skewer marshmallows & dip them in chocolate almond bark,  I add sprinkles most times, but Mac didn't want sprinkles.  Not manly enough, I guess.

And, these lined the shelter house with all the families last names that attended.

We invited Mac's entire baseball team & all their families....including siblings...as well as, our families.  Such fun!

Hope you enjoyed this little Flash Back Friday!

Hard to believe I'll be planning a graduation party for this kid next year.

It goes way too fast.  

And, after seeing these pics....it's time to pull out the Nikon again.  There is a difference.

 

Thrift Shop Thursday

How about a little Thrift Shop Thursday?

My love of thrift doesn't stop with my clothes...

I love finding items to accessorize my house as well...

The Gunny and I honeymooned at Disney, so the Mickey Ears frame was perfect for my picture with Eeyore!  Even Eeyore smiles at the Happiest Place on Earth!

I picked up this lantern for our porch.  But, until this past week it's been too cold & nasty to put it out there.  So, I have been using it as a centerpiece on my dining table.  It was REALLY dirty when I picked it up.  But, I figured a good scrub would revive it, and it did!  I was thinking about spray painting it when I put it outside, but I have grown to like it in its natural state.  So, we'll see if it has a makeover in its future.  Sometimes all thrift store items need is a good washing. 

 

I pick up these bamboo trays where I find them.  I have quite a collection. I use them quite a bit when we entertain outdoors.  I also like to use them on tables.  

The wicker tray set actually came from a church garage sale.  I can't wait to use it this summer for some delicious drinks that I whip up. 

The silver tray is a recent find.  This is just it's temporary home. I have plans for it, but just haven't had the time.  The round wicker tray is another thrift find.  If you can't tell...I've been on a tray kick lately.

The blue shell crab I picked up this weekend.  The Gunny is from the Gulf Coast.  The water color that hangs in our kitchen is from Ocean Springs, MS.  It is of all the swamp creatures cookin in the kitchen.  So, the blue crab will be hanging next to it soon.  I need a plate hanger.  The plate behind the crab is also from the same thrift store.  As is the lobster that hangs on the wall.  I have found that when you thrift...you really have to look.  It's easy to walk past a shelf & dismiss everything or a rack of clothes.  But, if you sift through you are more likely to find little treasures that you can use.  Not many people probably saw the potential in my little blue crab.  But, I just love him.

My last find is the darling MILK vase.  Lots of thrift stores get items that didn't sell from retail stores.  The MILK vase is just that.  It's from Target.  I wouldn't have shelled out the $15 they were asking for it either.  But, for $2.99...I'm happy to give it a home.  

The lighting is terrible in the last picture, but the cute tea towels are from Dollar Tree!  I sewed them together to make a runner for my island!  They are so springy & I don't care if anyone spills on them because it cost me 2 bucks. 

And, while it's not from the thrift store...I save my mason jars (from spaghetti sauce).  I glue ribbon around them & use them for flower vases.  Or, I put a bit of sand in the bottom...drop a tea light in & use them for candles on our patio.

There you have it...another Thrift Shop Thursday!

 

What We Wore Wednesday

 It's Wednesday!  

Time for a little What WE Wore...

I got an Easter bonnet.  The ladies at my church decided to "Bring Back The Hat".  What fun!  The Gunny told me that I should bring it back permanently...he liked it!  Of course he would....he's from The South!

 

I attended a golf tournament on behalf of the Foundation on Friday.  It was such a beautiful day!  I wore my new thrifted Old Navy gingham blouse (it still had the tags on it when I bought it).  I scored it for $2.99.  Regularly, it was $21.99.  I topped it with a Target cardi, and a white pair of not-quite-capris & a pair of heels from TJ Maxx.  I added a "statement" necklace from Everyday Icing.  I felt Springy like the day!

I got some GREAT deals over the weekend at my fave thrift store.  This stripey Lucky Brand was a steal for $1.89!  Seriously!  I got it 30% off. I paired it with my orangey chinos from Target, Old Navy jean jacket from 1995 (I kid you not!), and Steve Madden sandals from TJ Maxx.  It was a rainy Monday, so a messy ponytail was in order. 

 

This skirt is another find from the weekend.  I love the BIG houndstooth print!  I pulled out my trusty black cardi, a simple thrifted gray tee, and added a POP of color with my Everyday Icing necklace.  Again, the black heels.  

This might be my fave find from the weekend....I got this entire Banana Republic ensemble from the thrift store for under $10.  Perfect for the office.  And, perfectly paired with my nude heels.   

And, Kiersten decided to play along on What WE Wore Wednesday.  And, I have to say she rocked this!  Her capris & shirt were thrift finds for a total of $7! The sandals are from Target.  Kiersten is petite so she gets to shop in the girls section for her shoes!  And, she finished off her look with a statement necklace from Burlington.

Okay, someone went first so now you have to play along!  Email me your OOTD at justjilly@rocketmail.com & we'll all have a fab What We Wore Wednesday! 

Oh, and because Kiersten played along....I'm sending her a $10 Target gift card. Winner Winner Chicken Dinner!   Message me your address, girly!  

And, there you have it, friends....What We Wore Wednesday!  

It's so much more fun with friends!

Letting Go

I stood in the parking lot this morning wondering where the time went.  In five minutes time, I was trying to fit in every piece of advice I could.

Keep your phone in your pocket.

No texting or talking on your phone in your car.

Go the speed limit.

If you think you can't make it...you can't....don't try.

Remember that not only could you injure yourself, you could injure others.

Keep the radio down.

Be smart.

COME HOME SAFE.

And, he is off.  In a car he bought, registered & tagged.  

A full tank of gas was a gift from his mama.

We put the license plate on.

I blinked back tears.

He hugged me.

I silently whispered a prayer. 

Raw.

To the point.

"Please God, keep him safe."

Why don't they tell you when they place them in your arms that 17 years later when they drive off it feels as if they have been ripped from them?  That your heart will ache for that little boy who loved "Melmo" (Elmo), basketball, and bulldozers.  And, if you had known it would go that fast...you would have watched Hard Hat Harry one more time or read Good Night, Moon again.

And, yet you have fought for months to stick to your guns.

No you have to save the money.

I know other kids get cars.

Not you.

 You'll earn yours.

Someday you'll thank me.

And, you will.

We've marked off another milestone...me & you.

And, I'll be beside you to mark many more.

So, I'll put on my brave face.

Do my best not to be a Nervous Nellie.

And, celebrate your new found freedom!

At least until the gas tank runs dry!

 

The Daniel Plan: Faith

Today, I'm going to share with you just a little about the FAITH aspect of the Daniel Plan.  I doubt you will find very many weight loss plans that talk about the connection of your faith & your health.  I have been in church all my life & I can not think of ONE sermon I have ever heard about gluttony.  And, yet...the scriptures make mention of overeating many times.  Somehow, we have decided that smoking & drinking will send you straight to hell, but gorging ourselves at the church dinner is A-Okay. (did I step on some toes there?)

I'll let you think about that & move on.

Pastor Rick Warren states that faith is part of the secret of The Daniel Plan.  Health is more than a diet program.  It comes from "recognizing and using God's power in your life and treating you body and mind with the care that he intended."  

Why can't Philippians 1:6 MSG be talking about your journey in regaining your health???

 "There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears."

Our body is a temple of Holy Spirit...it says so in I Corinthians 6:19.  I don't know about you, but I don't want JUNK in my temple. Why do we think that this doesn't apply to filling our bodies with preservatives, modified foods, and chemically altered substances?  

I have repented for the years I spent shoveling in JUNK.  And, I have began to heal my temple with good foods.  And, as I have added in the other four essentials:  food, fitness, focus & friends; I have seen changes.  Not just in my body, but in my mental outlook, my walk with the Lord and how I relate to others.  

And, when the progress has been slow or I have reached the dreaded "plateau", I trust Him even when I'm not getting what I want.  I stand on Philippians 1:6 & I know that He will continue the good work He started.  I have begun to believe that the changes are possible.   I love what Rick Warren says, "He specializes in miracle makeovers."  I love thinking that we are in this together....and with HIS power what can't I overcome???  Without HIm on this journey, I'm just using my own energy.  And, peeps, my energy goes fast!  Can I get an "AMEN"?

"Resolutions & rules aren't enough to change the human heart."  If you have tried & failed at a diet, or lost weight and gained it all back, you know this to be true.  I propose to you that it ALL starts with FAITH.  

I have merely touched the tip of the iceberg on FAITH in The Daniel Plan.  If you want to learn more, I would encourage you to buy the book.  I promise it's not near as preachy as I am.  (giggle)

Next Monday, we'll be talking FOOD.  And, I've got a lot to say on that...just ask The Gunny. 

 

Wrap It Up

I saw a delicious recipe on The Pioneer Woman's blog.

 But, her recipes aren't exactly in line with the Daniel Plan or my clean eating program.

So, I took it and made it mine & made it DIVINE! 

(I'm thinking that might be my "catch phrase"...whatya think?  giggle.)

Grocery List:

Organic Spinach Tortilla 

Hummus (I picked up a delicious olive & pine nut combo at Target)

Roasted Red Peppers (Mine came from a jar from Whole Foods)

Artichoke Hearts (I like the marinated kind from a jar)

Rotisserie or leftover Chicken (shredded or cut into strips)

Carmelized Red Onions

Spinach

Feta Cheese

I sauteed the red onions in grape seed oil until they became carmelized.  Pretty much they look like you cooked the life out of them.  I stored the leftovers in a container & just heated them up as needed.  And, that's all the cookin' you're doin.  Awesome.

Heat the wrap if you like.  Just zap it in the microwave or throw it in a skillet & warm.

Spread the hummus on the heated wrap.  As much or as little as your heart desires.  Same with the red peppers, artichoke hearts, chicken, onions & spinach.  Sprinkle with feta cheese.  Wrap it up.  And, EAT!  

So, good!  So, easy!  And, most the ingredients are staples in my kitchen now.  

Remember..

What I Wore Wednesday

I heart Wednesdays...because we get to talk about What I Wore.

I'd be happy to talk about what you wore too....

So, here is the deal....though I'm not holding out much hope for many takers...

Do you have an outfit you LOVE?

Got it on the clearance rack?

Even better....at the thrift store???

Then email me a picture with the details at justjilly@rocketmail.com,

and I'll share YOUR pics & MINE next Wednesday!

And, we'll have a 

WHAT WE WORE WEDNESDAY on April 23rd!

Now, somebody do it so I don't feel silly!

We had some COLD weather again...even some snow...that didn't stick...thank goodness! Or, I would be writing this from the looney bin!

The denim top & jeans are thrifted & the sweater was a clearance at Marshalls.  I made the necklaces after seeing some very pricey ones at a store.  I figured I could make them for a lot cheaper.  So, I sat & threaded beads while I watched the old boob tube.  Doesn't make me feel as guilty as I catch up on all my PBS shows.  Loving Call the Midwife & Mr. Selfridge this season!  Oh, and have you noticed that ALL you magazines come on the same stinkin' day???  Grr. 
 

 

Remember that black sweater I said was a wardrobe staple...case in point.

And, I love these pants from Marshalls.  I'm a little sad that they are getting too big.  I think in another 4-6 weeks...I'll be having a shop my closet sale on FB & IG for anyone interested.

Once, I have the details...I'll share.  I usually donate my clothes when I'm done with them.  But, this time...I have to buy a new wardrobe.  So, I am going to sell some reasonably priced.  I'm willing to ship them as well. 

 

I spend a LOT of time in gym clothes these days.  I got this ensemble at Savers & Goodwill.  Y'all that is a Nike DriFit in PERFECT condition!  I got it for $3.99!  I priced it on line for $70! To top it off...I scored 2 of them at Goodwill.

 

I got this Gap dress at the Salvation Army.  Topped it off with a jean from Target & Guess sandals from Marshalls.  The necklace is from Everyday Icing.

It's hard to tell in the top right picture.  But, I had to safety pin my dress because it's too big now!  Yea!

It seems with daily cardio comes plantar fasciitis.  So, I am spending a lot of time icing my feet in between gym sessions.  My skirt & chambray blouse are from Marshalls.  The sweater is thrifted.  Heels from Charlotte Russe.  You'll be seeing this necklace a lot this Spring...it's from Everyday Icing.

Last...is a wash & wear dress from Gordmans.  I love it.  Heels from Target.  And a shot of the breakfast that is helping me fit in my clothes again.

So, there you have it.

What I Wore Wednesday...

And, don't forget to send me your pics of your outfits!  

The Daniel Plan & Why I'm a Convert

If you read this blog on a regular basis, you may have noticed the lack of cooking posts, as well as, the absence of some of my decadent treats.  There's a reason for that...

On January 6th, we started a journey to health.  We started out thinking that it would only be 40 days.  HA!  Boy, were we wrong.

Let me tell you....I don' think there is a diet out there that I haven't tried.  Not a pill I haven't taken.  Not a shake I haven't drank.  You name it...I've tried it.  With the same results...lose a little bit of weight....gain back even more.  

In December, I walked past a mirror.  I didn't recognize myself.  I was FAT.  I looked exhausted.  I was suffering from migraines.  I had NO energy.  And, in that moment...when I truly looked at myself.  I knew something HAD. TO. CHANGE.

I can't even remember where I ran across the Daniel Plan.  And, to tell you the truth...I wasn't a huge Rick Warren fan.  I picked up his book "The Purpose Driven Life" years ago & read the first chapter.  In a nutshell, it made the point...."It's not about me."  Well, that pretty much took care of it for me.  If it's NOT about ME, then it's ALL about HIM.  Really?  Why do you need any more chapters.  If we ALL took that little nugget to heart, I doubt we would need the 52 million self-help books out there.

So, I ordered the book.  Grudgingly.  Not really holding out much hope.  And, I read it.  And, I talked to The Gunny about it.  And, he said he was on board.  

And, we said....40 days.  In fact, we even had a countdown calendar on the fridge to last day of our plan....FEBRUARY 14th!  

I went shopping.  I cleared out our pantry.  And, I began to read & educate myself.  I went to the gym most every day.  And, after about 3 weeks...I stopped whining about it.  And, I begin to examine my issues with food.  And, I began to focus my mind.

The Daniel Plan is based on the FIVE Fs:  Faith, Food, Fitness, Focus & Friends.  

Rather than explain the WHOLE plan, you can read about it HERE.

 

 Now, 3 months later this is what I can tell you....

my clothes fit & are becoming baggy

I don't have migraines any more

I have more energy and clarity than I have in years

My youngest son dropped 15 lbs by just eating clean in the evenings

The Gunny had blood work done & his labs were better than they had been in YEARS

My kiddos went to McDonalds (I shudder) & one of them got violently ill (shocker)

My skin is amazing

And, I am NEVER hungry.  EVER.

I could go on & on & on.

But, I won't.

Not today.

But, I am going to share about the Daniel Plan for the next 5 Mondays.  Because, if you are feeling how I was feeling.  Maybe this is your answer.  If you truly want to care for your temple...this is how. 

Oh, I still have more weight to lose.  But, surprisingly...I'm not in a hurry.  The weight almost seems secondary to all the other changes taking place.  

If you have questions, email me.  I'm not an expert. I'm still learning & reading.  But, I am a GREAT CHEERLEADER.  And, if you make this commitment.  I will be there to CHEER YOU ON!

So, I hope you'll drop by next Monday when we start with the first F:  FAITH.

Because, that, my friends, is the only place to start!