Hot or Hot Mess {March 19}

If you follow me on twitter, then you know my ruling on this!

I just have to…

send this man some big giant thank you’s!

Not only does he love me unconditionally (as proven daily) he..

plays catch with this pretty girl

Shoots hoops with her

Plays silly games with my family

Let’s me bite his (insanely) large muscles

Loves & encourages this little one

Paints & paints & paints

He's a pretty amazing man.

{Sorry ladies, he’s taken}

And I’m making it a priority not to take him for granted anymore.

Post-It’s Are Always Fun.

A few weeks ago I shared this. {I’ll be updating you soon on how that’s going} But today, I’m showing you what the kids & I did to my sweet friend Katie, the former leader.



Yep. We completely covered her car with post-it’s. And not just post-it’s. But ones filled with positive words, encouragement, thank yous, we'll miss yous. I told the kids our goal was to make her cry tears of joy & happiness.

We succeeded!



The kids had so much fun doing this. I definitely got teary eyed at some of the things they wrote. They really do love Miss Katie & they will certainly miss her.



And I think I started a little something though. Because now every Sunday my kids come in asking when we are post-it “ing” someone else’s car!

So look out pastor. You could be next!!

A Little Monday Pick-U-Up

It’s Monday again. And I haven’t looked at blogs since last Wednesday. Shame on me. But instead of feeling bad about it, I’m just remembering if I don’t actually live my life then I’ll have nothing to share on this blog here. I don’t write for numbers. I write because I have things to say…and you’re all gonna listen. Kidding, a little. I’m not naïve. I get that I’m not that big of a part in your life. I’m just another blog that shows up in your reader & if the title doesn’t make ya click, then you probably won’t come see what I’m up too. And ya know what?

That’s finally ok with me.

But I think for some people that’s not. So in an attempt to make you feel loved today, here are some pretty great words I’ve found & held onto when I haven’t always felt ok with it.

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Happy Monday friends.

May your week be full of encouragement & love.

Hanging On...

Have you ever told someone “I’m just hanging on…” ? Meaning you are just living day to day. Possibly minute to minute. Not anticipating or expecting certain outcomes, because you just don’t have the energy to deal with the disappointment if they don’t happen a certain way. Telling your friends, you are overwhelmed and exhausted.

You see my anxious heart
You see what I am feelin'
And when I fall apart
You are there to hold me

But not being able to ask for help.

Instead, you put a smile on your face. Say you’re hanging on. Doing fine. Then repeat.

How great Your love for me
Now I see what You're thinkin'
You say I'm beautiful
Your voice is my healin'

Yea, me too.

Without You I just can't get by
So I'm
Hangin' on to every word You speak
'Cause it's all that I need
Hangin' on to every word You say
To light up my way
Even every little whisper
I'm hangin' on as if it were my life
I'm hangin' on

A few weeks ago I went to a concert. And although Mandisa was amazing, Britt Nicole sang this song.

(Silence playlist at the bottom to watch video. Hanging On is a song on the playlist, if you would like to listen to all of it)

How simple, yet so strong is that message? Why do we spend so much of our time trying to fix our own problems when really the One who can fix them is right there. Waiting for us to ask. To just hang on.

And when the darkness falls
I can't see what's before me
Your voice is like the dawn
Always there to guide me

I have a friend from many years ago. One that I went on a missions trip with. She is a sweet spirit who can encourage like no other. She is also a married, mama to two beautiful little girls. And one precious little boy. The boy is fighting. He was born early. With many complications. He is on tubes & monitors. And my friend is left feeling a roller coaster of emotions. As she watches her gift fight for his life.

You know me better than I know myself
Better than anybody else
Your love is soundin' like a ringin' bell
Oh, oh, I won't let go

I can’t imagine. Really. I can’t. I don’t have babies. I can’t relate.

So I'm
Hangin' on to every word You speak
'Cause it's all that I need
Hangin' on to every word You say
To light up my way
Even every little whisper
I'm hangin' on as if it were my life
I'm hangin' on

What I can do is pray. Eagerly. I can offer those words of encouragement, that she once showered me with. I can tell her that she needs to hang on. Not to the doctors. Not to the nurses. Not even to people.

But to God. He provides the ultimate healing. He works miracles. He gives us life.

And peace. And comfort.

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Why do we resist? I don’t think there could ever be a true answer for that.

Instead it simply becomes a day to day.

Minute to minute.

Decision to hang on to Him.

A Little Spring Fashion

Can I just let you know that this has been one very nice week. We have had temperatures in the 60’s & 70’s.

It’s only March. Remember that. And next week it’s going to be 40’s & 50’s again. Womp.

I’m planning my dream spring wardrobe & thought I’d share.

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Oh those Toms. I will own them. Just got my gray pair & once summer officially hits, these babies are going in my shopping cart!

Now I’m off to get my work done so I can sit outside all day tomorrow!

Did you know?

That you can find me in lots of other places besides this blog?

 

See those little ladies?

If you’re ever wondering how you can get in touch with me, on the slight chance that I don’t post anything on here for a few days, those are the ways!

You can tweet me (does that still make you giggle when you say “tweet”? No? just me?) here.

You can facebook me here.

You can pinterest me here.

You can instagram me @ lizedwards or go here to view them online (or if you don’t have an iphone….and for that I’m sorry. I’ll let you have a moment to weep over not having one.)

See…tons of ways to get in contact with me!

I like friends. And building friendships. So go ahead, seek me out through one of those outlets. I promise I’m good for a few laughs at least!

Luck ‘o the Irish

I’m Irish. My grandma’s maiden name is O’Connor.

And I’m Indian. My other grandma’s dad was full blood.

Tell me how those 2 mixed up?

Fair skin & tan skin.

Light hair & dark hair.

Freckles & …..freckles?

Yes. I’m a “mutt” by all American standards. But these 2 cultures are the ones that tend to shine through the most.

It’s comical when I tell people this. One person will ask if I’m always drinking, because I’m Irish. While another will wonder if I roll my own cigs because I’m Indian.

Negative on both accounts. Please & Thank You.

Is it so bad to have 2 very different heritages?

I won’t be doing what a typical Irish girl will on this fine holiday. That’s not my style. Anymore. Instead I’ll spend today with my un-irish hubby, relaxing.

And maybe eating a few of these…

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Or maybe some of this…

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Perhaps I’ll sample some of this…

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If I had kiddos, we’d be doing this…

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But I will most certainly not be having any of this…

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No way. I may be Irish, but this is where I draw the line. My stomach thanks me.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day friends.

May your day be filled with everything green!

Spring Fling Time

You may remember the Find Some Love Fest that I did with some good bloggy friends of mine? And you might remember what a raging success it was?

Well you’re welcome.

Because the amazing-ness that is Allison had the bright idea to do it again!!!

For Spring!

We will have a blog hop among 7 blogs!! You can link up to one & it will show on the other 6. You can post about food, fashion, crafts, beauty, home décor, giveaways, something in your shop, your spring-freshly painted nails. Are you getting it yet? Anything you have that relates to spring is a-ok with us!!

There will also be a giveaway! As in YOU could win something from 7 different blogs!

Besides me, there will be:

Pineapple Lily

Feeding My Temple

Digging Deeper

Classy in KC

Brittney's Orrdinary Life

Pish Posh Couture

Who doesn’t love friends? So grab a button below & help us spread the word!

Then come back here April 2nd & link up!

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Hot or Hot Mess? {March 19}

What I Wore.

This was an (impromptu) date night outfit! I even snagged Mr. for a picture!

{Pic below was after hubby informed me that perhaps these leggings were a bit too “see-through” for out of the house wearing!! This was after we had just gone to a concert. Outside of the house.}

Cardigan & Shirt: Old Navy / Scarf & Necklace: Loft / {Sheer} Leggings: Rue 21 / Boots: Shoe Department

On my man, cuz I’m sure you’re all dying to know… {Un planned color matching} Sweater: Banana Republic / Jeans: Kohls

Spring is Here!

And what better way to celebrate than stock up on some new totes, purses, umbrellas, wallets, or baskets?

Today is all about celebrating, encouraging, and rewarding you.

The working woman. The busy mama. The loving wife.

The woman who does it all.

Now’s the time to spoil yourself a little! Put a little pep in your step if you will.

First, let’s start with this months special!

This is the Mini Utility Bin. Perfect for many things, such as…

An Easter basket, craft basket, Mother’s Day gift basket, baby/wedding shower gift, car trash can, toy bin, book bin, bathroom basket, flower basket, etc.

You get the point!! It’s uses are endless!

This little pretty is normally $22, but this month for every $31 you spend, you are able to get this for only $8!! A steal right?

So how do you want to spend that initial $31?

Perhaps on one of these…

A Market Thermal Tote perfect for those outdoor sporting events or that family picnic.

Or maybe you want one of these…

A Casual Cargo Purse! This super awesome space “bucket” has a ton of pockets to carry all those mama or business women essentials around in style.

Could it be this you’re after…

A Retro Metro Weekender for those upcoming trips you’ll be taking? This giant bag will provide you with a ton of room & you’ll be ever fashionable while you travel.

And if you’re just after a few little things, may I suggest these…

 ThirtyOnebrella or Timeless Wallet

Thermal Tote or Littles Carry-All Caddy

I promise whatever you pick, you will be happy!!

You can shop here.

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And if some of you are still loving some old prints and products, you’re in luck because I am selling many items from my inventory to make room for all of these new ones!

(Hubby’s rules…gotta clean out, to get more!)

Here are the items for sale:

Picnic Thermal Tote in Windsor Argyle embroidered with "Munchies"

About Town Blanket in Windsor Bouquet

Pinch top eyeglass case in Harvest Floral

Scarf (100% silk) in Red Quilted Poppy

Coin Purse Wallet in Brown Parisian Pop

Large Utility Tote in Windsor Bouquet embroidered with "Out and About"
All in One Organizer in Windsor Bouquet

Fold & Go Organizer in Harvest Floral

Luggage Tag in Black Parisian Jacquard

Wristlet Wallet in Botanical Lace

Littles Carry-All Caddy in Windsor Argyle

Littles Carry-All Caddy in Winter Wonderland

Mini Retro Metro Bag in Dark Denim

Medium Rosette Clip in Herringbone Spot

Make me an offer & we’ll go from there! Shipping is $5.

Email me with what products you are interested in and we'll make delivery arrangements from there. (I am happy to hand deliver if you are local)

All sales are final and returns cannot be made through Thirty-One on these items. Personalization options are not available on these items, unless already personalized.

some news for you…

With growth, comes changes.

So it is with a heavy heart that I share with you some things that have changed in my blog world lately.

Some of these changes will be a shock to you because you weren’t even aware I was contributing to them. Which in & of itself should tell me something. Clearly I’m not being a spokesperson for these programs.

I stepped down as an author of Teaching Blog Addict. If you are unfamiliar with this site, I encourage you to go check it out. Especially if you are an educator. It is full of wonderful and cutting edge teaching resources. And the authors and contributors are some of the very best teachers in the education community. Tamara, the founder, has been an amazing source of encouragement to me over the past year. Her passion to make education better, is contagious.

I have also decided to step down from my author position on Revolutionize Her. I have been unfairly hanging on to that title for longer than I should. It is a community about women who are self-employed, with businesses. As much as I’d like to categorize myself with them, I just can’t right now. Primarily because I don’t have that business off the ground yet. This site is powerful & encouraging. If you haven’t already visited, please do. Even if you aren’t running a business, you will not be able to deny the encouragement that pours out from the writers.

With all of that being said (and the numerous references I have made to it lately), the Behind the Scenes Shop will be live very soon. There is already one piece listed & the others are soon to follow. We are still working out all of the kinks and deciding what will work and what won’t. But I’m excited to actually start this self-employed business that up until now, I have only been pretending to pursue.

It’s exciting and scary all at once, but the Lord will work it all out if it’s His will.

So tell me, what’s some news with you?