Month: February 2019

3 Ways to Guard Your Heart on Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day like many holidays, is one that you either love or hate. Whether you are single, taken, or married this season may stir up some not so pleasant feelings. Knowing this, I’ve decided this year to forsake outfit ideas and give you a three ways to guard your heart this Valentine’s Day.

Love on Yourself First

If you read this statement and felt awkward about it, then good. You’re exactly the kind of woman who needs to hear this. Coming from a Christian and a wife this may be am unpopular opinion but you come first! Now don’t get me wrong, God is the head of my life, but I’m automatically second. Think about it, how can I be a great sister, friend, daughter, spouse, mom, boss, etc if I’m always on empty? If you’re running on fumes, quit trying to be super woman and take a weekend getaway. Maybe spend Valentine’s Day at the spa alone for some me time. Then you can come back to those you love refreshed and renewed!

Just Say No

How often have you accepted a date, girls trip, or even brunch with Mom knowing you’d much rather spend the day curles up with a book and some tea? For some reason we feel it’s rude to turn down offers, eapecially from those we like or love. To confess that we’re saving up for a big purchase and extra spending isn’t in the budget, or that we don’t want to attend brunch with Aunties just to be grilled about why we’re still single is rare. This year do yourself a favor and speak up. Don’t accept a date with a guy you’re not even attracted to just because it’s free food. Don’t agree to that couples getaway if you’d rather it’s just you and hubby. It’s not rudeness, it’s maturity.

Stop Internet Stalking

Now this is a hard one whether you’re boo’d up or boo-less. We all have a tendency to scroll through social media during this holiday and take notice of our peers. We silently size each other up. Who has the most romantic boyfriend or husband? Who had the best Valentine’s slay? Who debuted their new beau? Which group of gals arw living their best lives on vacation? It seems totally harmless, right? Wrong. Eventually all this will do is make you discontent. You will begin to despise your season. Someone in a relationship will appear happier, you’ll envy another wife whose husband has deeper pockets, or you’ll break your budget for the gram. It’s not worth it girl, trust me.

Proverbs 4:23 tells us, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” This scripture is the basis of this post. Just a little friendly reminder for all of us to be content in whatever season we find ourselves. After all, tomorrow isn’t promised to anyone, so enjoy your today!!

Dress//Boohoo , Boots//Go Jane , Wrap//Burlington

Rust Flares

You guys is it just me or was January that WORK?! I legit feel like I went thru an entire quarter in one month. As if I went back to work after surgery, blinked, and was transported to February. This month has been quite busy. Very productive, but busy nonetheless. Having completed my first month back at work I’ve really had to give myself extra time to get places. I haven’t been as diligent with my stretching and working out. As a result, I’m quite stiff and this cold weather we’ve had in Philly hasn’t helped. The low temps have my abdomen incredibly sore. The weight gain plus scar tissue combo means I’m unable to fit most of my clothes. Thankfully, stretch pants exist! Especially cute ones like these rust flares.

In full transparency, I have been wearing the same four sweatsuits to work since returning on Christmas eve. Having abdominal surgery will make you reevaluate all of your clothes. Somehow I have amassed a collection of pants and skirts that all seem irritating. My underwear is too low rise, my high waist pants squeeze too tight, my jeans don’t zip, & I’ve gained 12 pounds in post-op. Now before you roll your eyes and say “Girl, bye”, going from a size 4 to 8ish is a trip. I need to go shopping. On the bright side there are items in my closet that now fit.

I purchased these flares back in August. Worried that they’d be too tight I ordered a medium. They arrived and were actually loose in the waist and longer than expected. I still love the fit. High waisted and trim throughout with ribbing and a slight bell flare at the hem. The material is thin so you need to wear tights in fall/winter months. But these are super comfy and don’t leave me sore. I even nabbed a mustard yellow pair. Speaking of mustard, this soft turtleneck is the perfect companion to the rust colored pants.

I kept my accessories neutral with caramel aka brown girl nude pumps and purse. I also added my go to fall scarf of the same color. However, I didn’t play it safe with my outerwear. It’s cold enough for my wool coat of many colors. This is still my favorite thrifted purchase ever. I’ll be wearing this baby until Jesus returns. Good pieces are durable and fashion longevity is a plus.

I hope you are warm and cozy wherever you are. Talk to me! Let me know in the comments what items in your closet are there for good.

Coat//Vintage , Top//Uniqlo , Pants//Boohoo , Shoes//Donald J. Pliner, Purse//Ross


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