My Wardrobe is Fixed!

Have you heard of StitchFix? Most people are completely unfamiliar with what it is, though once I've explained they become very interested in learning more. Well, today we are eliminating the wonder! I just got my 10th "Fix" and thought I'd share the whole experience.

Here's the deal...you fill out a questionnaire/style profile so the stylists have an idea of what size you are and what type of look you generally tend towards. You also set your price range and can even request specific items if you'd like. One month I told them I'd be attending a barn wedding in Oklahoma and wanted a few options for dresses, another month I told them I'd be moving to Seattle and needed some fall options that looked seasonally appropriate but wouldn't make me too hot (because I easily over heat) some months I just tell them to send whatever they want...because they are awesome at their jobs. I've been super pleased with 9 of the 10 fixes I've received, only once did I send everything back...but we'll get to that later.

Ok, so, you've filled out your style profile and gave your stylist direction on what to send, your Fix is scheduled...now what?

When your stylist fills your Fix you are charged $20 and a box of wonderful is sent to you. It's always a good day when I see this on my doorstep!

Though there are always 5 items, the size of the box varies, this is one of the smaller boxes I've received, it all just depends on what's inside!

In every fix is a note from the stylist and style cards to show you two options of how to wear each piece (except the jewelry).

Then the real fun begins! They ask you to try everything on before deciding whether to keep it or not. And I recommend the same...once I was sent two skirts, one I hated the other I loved. When I tried them on I completely flip-flopped and ended up keeping the one I thought I would hate...you just never know until it's on your body. I also never look at the prices (all listed on the checkout slip in the box) until after I've tried everything on. As I'm doing the fashion show I kind of determine what I think the item is worth and how much I'd be willing to spend on each piece.

First item: Bay to Baubles- Ramona Arrow Pendant Necklace

I'm not big on jewelry but I've been trying to find some pieces that I'm comfortable wearing because I know it really pulls the whole outfit together. This necklace is perfect for me because it adds interest but isn't too loud or obnoxious. It'll pair with a million different things and lets face it, it's fun!

Second item: Laila Jayde- Bowie Solid Dolman Sleeve Top


Ok, normally I hate these tops on me because there is simply too much material and I look like I've been swallowed by a bolt of fabric. I also have never liked the "I'm about to fly away with these wings" look...

But I like this top, it is fitted really well through the lower portion and hugs my waist so my shape can be seen, but is roomier through the shoulders and arms which I really like. (ps. the jeans I'm wearing are from a previous Fix and are my absolute FAVE pants now)

Third item: Liverpool-Tallulah Faux Leather Detail Pant

I DO NOT like these on me. I think they are cute and I've seen girls rock them, but for me I feel a bit like a car with racing stripes. I think the accent accentuates my hips too much and I know I'd never be comfortable wearing them. Also, they are a little too big, I know after about 30 minutes of wear they'd be falling down.

Fourth Item: 41Hawthorn- Gideon Polka Dot Sweater

Um...no. Not my style at all. I feel like a preppy prepster which is not my comfort zone. This is a nice quality top but just not for me.

Fifth Item: Pink Martini-Augustina Lace Back Open Cardigan

This is perfect for me. It brings in a new color to my wardrobe and I'll get a ton of use out of it. I'm big on tank tops but it's not always appropriate to wear one in January...this cardi will be nice to throw on over any tank and will give me the coverage I need but won't make me too warm (that's why historically I've stayed away from cardigans and outer layers in general) and I love the lace detail, as well as how it's gathered at the waist in the back so I don't end up with a cape when I walk.

Now it's decision time...what stays and what goes back? Some months it's a challenge, this month it was easy. But remember that $20 styling fee that you were charged when your box shipped? Well, it will be deducted from whatever you end up keeping. If you send everything back (again, that's only happened to me once) you lose that $20. Also, if you keep all 5 items you get 25% off the entire order! So, sometimes it makes sense to keep all 5 because it's actually going to be cheaper for you then just keeping 4 if that's what you're planning on. Just play around with the numbers when you're making your decision.

This month I'm keeping the cardi, dolman top and necklace. 

The others get put into the shipping bag provided and sent back via the USPS (so that means, you can put it in your mailbox or drop it off at the post office, and shipping is already paid) which is really convenient.

Ok, checking out...I forgot to take pics of this process, but I'll explain it. You log into your account and it'll ask if your ready to check out. It also tells you when you have to have the returned items back in the  mail (you have 3 days to decide once your Fix arrives). When you are ready to check out it'll ask you 4 questions about each item and you'll have to click whether you're keeping or returning each one. The questions are based on fit, price, style and size and are all multiple choice. Then you have a space to write (with a character limit) about each item...what do you want future stylists to know regarding this item. Why aren't you keeping it, be honest so they won't send you items like it in the future. Why do you love it? Make sure they know because it gives them a better understanding of what you're looking for.

After submitting your checkout, you'll be able to write a note to the stylist for your next Fix. You can also decide how often you'd like to receive your Fix...every month, every other month (this is what I'm doing) and they'll be sent to you automatically. If you'd rather, you can always just log in and schedule a Fix whenever you'd like.

That's it! It's fun, easy and though it seems like I'm spending a lot of money, I'm actually saving. I realized around the second Fix that I no longer spend money at Target on things I sort of like because I know I have a box of 5 amazing, high quality items being personally picked for me that I'd rather spend money on. 

I've found that the stylists are great about listening to what I like but also providing me with things I'd never pick up at a store. Pieces that are new and different than what I have in my closet but have some element of comfort...a silky top that's a little flowy (and plaid, so I don't feel too fancy in silky material) because I needed shirts to wear in the fall that were weather appropriate but wouldn't make me hot.

An A-line skirt that has a nice think soft elastic waistband so it doesn't feel crunchy on my stomach. 

The black and white stripe dress I wore for Christmas that is bold in pattern but a familiar and flattering style. 

So...are you ready to get your first Fix? Use this link and I'll get referral credit, trust me, you'll love it!

Other People's Words

Thank you Pinterest and FB for always finding me things to nod my head and say "Amen!" to.  For years I felt like nothing was happing in my life. I moved to Chicago and for 7 years it seemed things stayed the same. I prayed for something...anything to change. Oh, boy...little did I know everything was going to change at once.  Um, thank you God for answering my prayers?? 

 So, because everything is changing and I have no idea what's coming up next, I'm choosing to embrace whatever heads my way. I'm a planner by nature but that has gotta go...the only thing planning is going to do is frustrate me further. At some point, sure, it'll be time for plans and steps and timelines, but for now we ride the wave, embrace the unknown, come what may.

Good Enough is Never Enough

Christ pursued me for a long time before I finally let Him in.  I had had bad experiences with so-called Christians and wanted nothing to do with them.  Sure, I was flawed but I was good enough.  Right?  Since turning my life over to Him, God has shown me that there is no such thing as "good enough" which, actually, I can completely understand.

I'm a perfectionist.  I hate it when things aren't just so.  Nothing is ever good enough.  There's only perfect and failure.  I strive, strain and struggle to attain perfection in all things.  This is exceptionally hard.  Mostly, because I'm such a flawed human (I mean, aren't we all?!) but also because I'm lazy.

A lazy perfectionist...really?!  I'm my own worst nightmare!

As it is written:

“There is no one

Righteous, not

Even one”

Romans 3:10

When measured against The World, some might say I look clean.  When measured against Christ, I couldn't be more filthy.  Luckily, when God the Father looks upon me, He sees Christ standing in my place.  The Lord doesn't see me standing there covered in muck and mire.  He doesn't smell the stench of pride and self-righteousness.  Nor does he see the dark presence of sin.  Instead, He sees His Son.  A perfect and spotless Lamb.  Who's crimson sacrifice has washed me white as snow.  No matter what I do, or don't do, He loves me.  He loves me as much today as He did yesterday and will tomorrow.  No matter what.

It amazes me when I think about it.  Leaves me speechless.  How is it possible to be loved so much?  How is it possible to love so much?  So much that you willingly die.  And not just for some. But for everyone, because nobody is "good enough."

I don't understand that kind of love.

Pic Cred Here

From Mouthy to Mouthpiece

I've always felt a connection to the Apostle Peter.  This man could not keep his mouth shut if his life depended on it.  He was constantly running his mouth or sticking his foot into it.  This man proclaimed that he would NEVER deny Christ and that very night he denied Christ not once, but THREE times!  Oh, Peter!

My favorite Peter story is when he walks on water with Jesus.  He sees Christ walking towards the boat and says, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." To me this indicates his faith that Jesus, in fact, does have the power to command such a thing.  So, Jesus calls his bluff and tells him to step out of the boat.  A moment later Peter feels a breeze, looks down and gets scared.  I can only imagine what was going through his head, 'What am I doing out here?  Humans can't walk on water, I'm going to die!' And that's when he looks to Christ and yells, "Lord, save me!"  It seems so silly to me...he believes Jesus has the power to make him walk on water, he actually gets out of the boat and begins to take a step but then immediately doubts the power with which is currently keeping him from sinking.  Then as panic sets in, he calls out for help (to the one who he apparently no longer believes holds power) to keep him alive! I'm sure in the moment it didn't seem that clear to him.  In the moment, things rarely seem clear at all.

Peter is a mess.  And that's why I like him.  He's just one of the many examples of the type of person the Lord uses for His work.  When God takes messy, ugly, sinful people and uses them to do great things, or creates a huge change in their character (think of the Apostle Paul) it brings Him glory.  Have you made it to the back of your Bible and seen who Peter becomes?  1st and 2nd Peter are two of my favorite books of the Bible.  Clearly he experienced a change due to his time with Christ and the events surrounding His death, resurrection and ascension. Peter, a man of wavering faith, becomes an amazing mouthpiece for Christ.

God takes ugly human shells, allows hardship, opposition, struggle, and strife to work as an abrasive to reshape us, smooth out the edges and shine us to a brilliant gloss; turning us into a valuable, beautiful, and durable pearl.  One that only becomes more radiant when removed from the safety of the worthless shell and exposed to the tenderness of His touch.

St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City, Rome, Italy
Picture credit here.

For the full story of :
Peter's big mouth syndrome, read Matthew 26:30-75
Peter's adventure on water, read Matthew 14
Paul's transformation, read Acts 9

Words

Lately my head has been swirling with words.  Words that need to be said. Words that I wish were heard. Words I'd like back. Words that continue to land new, the days that pass not dulling the pain. Sometimes I have so many words, yet no words come. In their place, tears. The silent, nobody-knows-my-pain tears. Today, I have no words. And I'm tired of all the tears. Today, I'll use words that belong to somebody else, but just because they aren't my words doesn't mean they weren't meant for me. 

Back To The Kitchen

Back a few blogs ago I did meal planning on a weekly basis. At that time I was nanny/house manager/personal assistant, etc, etc, etc for a family in Chicago. I cooked the meals Monday breakfast through Friday lunch. That means 4 dinners a week for a family of 5 (6 if you include me, and please always include me when food is involved) were my responsibility.

Well, things are a little different now, but I am back to meal planning. This time around, I'm cooking for  three and we're keeping Whole30/paleo. For now, because life has not been going easy on me, I'm taking the easy way and actually following some menus I found online at The Nourishing Home. I need to gradually get myself back into the swing of things and this way I don't have to do all the brainwork upfront, just the manual labor during the week.

Week 1 of this menu went well.  I mean, I think it did anyway, I wasn't here to enjoy most of the meals because I was in Chicago dealing with emergency #5,732.  I had all the meals prepped though so they just had to be finished each evening I was gone. I was told that all the meals were good and not too difficult to complete.  I'm looking forward to actually eating the meals this time though!

On the menu this week:

Beef Stew
Chimichurri Kebobs
Herb Turkey Breasts
Chicken Tortilla-less soup
Zoodle Pasta
Slow Cooker Chicken

I promise to take some pics and report back about which recipes are delish and which ones to skip.  Bonus: just brought home some of my cute aprons from my most recent trip to Chicago...back to the kitchen in style!

My Love Affair With The PNW

I grew up in the Seattle area where green is everywhere and mountains are snowcapped year-round. These things were lost on me as a child. I'd seen Mt. Rainier in all her glory every. single. day. of. my. life. Big whoop.

Over the past 14 years I've lived and/or visited places near and far. Seeing everything from the you-didn't-know-land-could-be-this-flat midwest, to standing on snow covered Pike's Peak. I've gazed at the  English countryside and floated down the Nile; stood on mountain tops in Haiti and dipped my toes in lakes Michigan, Coeur d'Alene and Victoria. I've known Denver, Chicago and Spokane as "home" and my feet have trod on Italian and French soil just as easily as Ugandan and Haitian.  I've seen God's work and love throughout a decent swath of the earth. And still, nothing compares to the PNW.

The Olympic Range in the distance

I didn't know this, of course, until I moved back here in September. Since then, I've fallen in love, for the first time I think, with the splendor of this place. Being away for so long has opened my eyes to the absolute beauty that surrounds me on a daily basis. I've pulled over numerous times just to snap a pic of Mt. Rainier...it doesn't matter if she's capped or bathed in clear blue sky, she's beautiful no matter what.

A capped Rainier just before the rain

The Cascade range and the Olympics are seen as borders on clear days but it's just as beautiful when the fog rolls in--the trees become mysterious creatures with a story all their own.

Moving home has been cause for a wide range of emotions but all it takes is a look outside to calm my heart and encourage my soul for another day. 

Come on...tell me this place isn't incredibly beautiful...

Sunset over the Pacific

A beautiful fall day in the Cascades

Big G, little g

When I arrived in Chicago 7 years ago, I knew it was God's plan.  He made it clear that I was to be there, and there's nothing more comforting than knowing you are exactly where God wants you to be.  Life wasn't perfect but it was Good.  That's capital "G" Good.  God's Good.  My good is a lowercase "g" and don't be fooled, there's a big difference.

"Little g" good is chocolate cake for breakfast, an awesome weekend with friends, getting a raise/bonus to pay for the shoes, bag, vacation, etc I've been been wanting.  It can also be feeling fulfilled daily at work, finally catching the eye of the one I've had my eye on, or just feeling happy.

None of these are bad things.  But they aren't necessarily "G" Good.  Sometimes, Big G Good is being unhappy at work but going in everyday with a smile on my face because God told me I'm the only one planting seeds of truth in someone's life.  It could be an extended period of singleness which leads to a closer relationship with Christ. Or doing things that are unpopular with loved ones simply because God asked you to.

Big G Good comes when I put myself aside and seek to bring God glory instead of chasing after earthly praise and temporary happiness. Big G Good doesn't always feel good.  Sometimes it's downright frustrating and uncomfortable.  It might not put a smile on my face or make me jump and shout from the rooftops but it brings a certain joy that is only explained by being in God's will.

Happiness is a feeling derived from enjoyable circumstances.  Joy is a choice or belief that no matter your circumstances, your God is bigger and will bring about Good. Good that will glorify Him and further His kingdom. Little g is instant gratification, Big G has an eternal focus.

 How can we focus on Big G in 2015 instead of settling for the fleeting and false sense of happiness that little g brings?

Not Your Mama's Pearls

I've never liked pearls.  I've always tried to hide it because even though everyone knows diamonds are a girls best friend (they're not by the way...chocolate or bacon would beat diamonds any day) all ladies wear pearls.  Grandmas wear pearls.  And grandmas...they're classy!  I never really cared for Barbara Bush when I was a kid (I feared she would smother me...she looks like a smother-er) but everyone always commented on her pearls. And don't even get me started on Jackie O and Audrey Hepburn!

As I grew and matured, as all young girls are prone to do, people commented that "pearls would look great with that outfit" and suggested that I borrow their set, even if just for the night.  How do you tell someone you think pearls are ugly?  Shake your head and mumble something about not feeling like wearing a necklace or that your ears are hurting so couldn't possibly wear earrings, and remove yourself from the situation as quickly as possible, that's what you do.

In 2011 however, God introduced me to a pearl I'll never forget.  She's one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen and a part of my heart will always and forever be with that pearl.  Over 100 years ago, after a journey through the country, Winston Churchill called Uganda The Pearl of Africa.¹

I spent a week in Uganda visiting my Compassion International children Specioza and Florence, but that's a story for another time.  I followed up that trip with another one in 2013 where God solidified Uganda's place in my heart.

July 2014 marked my first gaze upon another pearl.  The Pearl of the Antilles.  Haiti.  Or Ayiti as she's known in Creole.  I set foot in Haiti expecting to see a ravaged wasteland.  A land of hopelessness and despair.  I anticipated feeling no connection to her land or her people, instead cementing in my mind that Uganda was to be the only pearl in my heart.

Simply put —I was wrong.

Since leaving Haiti this idea of pearls has been rolling around in my head.

According to Wikipedia:

A pearl is a hard object produced within the soft tissue (specifically the mantle) of a living shelled mollusc. Just like the shell of a clam, a pearl is made up of calcium carbonate in minute crystalline form, which has been deposited in concentric layers. The ideal pearl is perfectly round and smooth, but many other shapes of pearls (baroque pearls) occur. The finest quality natural pearls have been highly valued as gemstones and objects of beauty for many centuries, and because of this, the word pearl has become a metaphor for something very rare, fine, admirable, and valuable.

The most valuable pearls occur spontaneously in the wild, but they are extremely rare.

Essentially, a pearl is a hard, beautiful, valuable object created by constant grinding of abrasives (such as sand) against the soft inner tissue of a really ugly shell.

Photo from AllPosters.com

When I was a kid my family had an ocean house in Long Beach, Washington.  We'd routinely stop for gas in South Bend and my parents would allow us to climb the mountains of oyster shells.

I'm not sure if you've ever tackled a mountain of oyster shells, or even been within a few miles of such a mountain, because that's all it would take for you to know it's a very undesirable location.  These things smell.  Really.  Really.  Smell.  They're garbage.  Waiting to be crushed up and used for lining your walkway or something else which I'm sure is incredibly useful.  Whatever was inside is scooped, sucked or otherwise extracted and the shells are discarded.

To most of the world, Uganda, and  maybe more so, Haiti, are throw away nations.  Places that have seen too much devastation through violence, natural disaster, corruption, and neglect to ever recover.  But they are pearls.  Beautiful, lush lands full of vibrant colors.  People rich in love with a faithfulness in Christ unparalleled in America.  Uganda and Haiti were given their names because of their beauty.  But they lived up to their name when ugliness descended and instead of allowing death, famine, war and poverty to destroy them from within, they became pearls.  Under the weight of it all, the hardships worked as an abrasive, forming and polishing a hard, valuable object of the finest quality.

“The kingdom of Uganda is a fairy-tale. You climb up … and at the end there is a wonderful new world. The scenery is different, the vegetation is different, the climate is different, and, most of all, the people are different from anything elsewhere to be seen in the whole range of Africa ... I say: ‘Concentrate on Uganda’. For magnificence, for variety of form and colour, for profusion of brilliant life - bird, insect, reptile, beast - for vast scale -- Uganda is truly the pearl of Africa .”                     --Winston Churchhill

---

1 monitor.co.ug^↩

Lemons, Lemons And More Lemons

So, with all the hopes that 2015 would be different than 2014, it's sure looking strikingly similar. The waves keep on coming, and as soon as I catch my breath and get my feet back on solid ground, the next round comes and I'm once again eating sand.  I've seen and felt God's work in the midst of it though. Friends jumping in at a moments notice, what once seemed impossible suddenly becomes do-able because of those who love me. I know God is in this. He gives Good gifts and He always provides. If nothing else, I know those two things.

I'm typically an early-bird but with all that's been going on lately I've ended up being somewhat of a night-owl. All sorts of things happen when I'm awake past 10pm...LOTS of Gilmore Girls episodes are moved into the "watched for the billionth time" column, anything that contains chocolate is enjoyed in rapid succession, and don't even get me started on Pinterest.

The thing about Pinterest is you never know what you'll find. And this whole "picked for you" thing that's happening on my feed is amazing...how did they know I wanted party decorating ideas, comfort food recipes, semi-angry/bitter quotes, encouraging Jesus-focused posts, and nerdy jokes? I. LOVE. IT.

So, here are a few of the pins that have helped me go to bed ready to face the next day with lemon juicer in hand...we're making lemonade here folks, and I got it by the gallon!

I know God has a plan for me. I know He hasn't left me here to fend for myself. I know He LOVES me and only wants what's best for me. I know that He allows things to happen in our lives but that doesn't mean He's causing them. My God is not a puppeteer. I'm not at the end of His string, unable to think or move at will.  And neither are any of you. That's not how my God works. Bad things happen to good people all the time. It's part of life...thanks Adam and Eve for getting that ball rolling...

I have no idea why lemons are being dropped on my head by the crateful but I know that I'm not alone in it. My God is right there with me, carrying the tons of lemons that are too heavy for me, the ones I may not even know exist. I also have an amazing support system and tons of loving and very caring and generous friends all over the country. I'm one lucky girl and no amount of lemons is going to change that.

The Best Laid Plans

The calendar says the first full week of 2015 is rounding the corner but I guess my mind and heart work on a slightly different timeline. Though the flip of a calendar page indicates a new, fresh start, there's generally a little residual emotion from the year prior. I'm giving myself the freedom to wade through things at my own pace. Looking to God for guidance as I untangle myself from the events of 2014 while still attempting to fully embrace all 2015 has to offer.

In some ways, 2014 was incredible. 

I think fondly of the time I spent with the kiddos I love more than anything (3 girls in Chicago, 2 boys in Arkansas and my sweetie pie nephew here in Washington.) All the adventures we had, jokes we shared and the quiet moments that are forever engrained in my heart and memory. 

A rare quiet moment
in Arkansas

The many friends who showed up to crazy events I planned my last few months in Chicago. And the realization that so many people care about me. More than I even realized.

The babies that know me as Auntie Lins, Auntie Linsey, Auntie SiFri.  They'll never know the joy they brought to my life in 2014, all the snuggles, loves, smiles and sweet baby giggles that helped me through times of major change.

My little Chicago babes, QandElove

I traveled places near and far. From Vegas to Haiti. Built pews for a mountaintop church, experienced the joy of room-service breakfasts, added Oklahoma to the list of states I've visited, played laser-tag for the first time and learned how to kayak.

Who let me use power tools?!

2014 wasn't all fun and games though. Hurt, heartache, fear, anxiety, relationship breakdowns and unexpected change were also prevalent. I'm learning that just because things didn't turn out how I hoped they would or expected them to, all is not lost.  I had amazing experiences, incredible interactions and made huge decisions which created incredible change. It doesn't matter if later some of those relationships went south, or that the big change ended up turning into something completely different than I thought. I loved the people in my life, made the most of each moment and took risks. I can appreciate 2014 for what it was instead of hating it because it didn't turn out how I wanted it. 

Sometimes people are only in your life for a season. Not everyone is a "forever friend" and that's ok. Sometimes we think we're in a good groove or our plan is awesome, but God thinks we need things shaken up a bit. It doesn't always make sense to us, and that's ok.

I'm starting over in 2015. Almost completely starting from scratch in all areas of life. And though I thought things would be very different, I'm trusting that God knows what he's doing and His plan for my 2015 is even better than anything I have in mind. 

New This Year

I saw a post on Facebook asking "What can you do today that you couldn't do 12 months ago?" and because it was posted by an athletic company I follow, I immediately thought, "well, I think I was in better shape 1 year ago than I am today." But then, I realized there's so much more to me than just my athletic abilities. So, here's a quick list of the things I can do today that I couldn't do 12 months ago:

Spend all day with one of my oldest friends 

At the Puyallup Fair with Mandi in Sept.
There have been many similar days since :)

Eat donuts without guilt or a follow up punishment workout

Bless the lady who gave us 10
but only charged us for 6!

Hug and kiss my mom each night before I go to bed
Have confidence that my nephew will recognize me when he sees me

Auntie Bugaboo is always trying
to steal kisses!

Trust in God's timing and His plan even though it seems like mass chaos at the moment
Spend time alone without going crazy
Recite several of my favorite Bible verse from memory

Galatians 2:20

Wake up with joy no matter the day's circumstances
Recommend an amazing YA trilogy that involves werewolves
Write a Sumner, WA address on return labels

Because this is beautiful and who wouldn't
want to live here?!

Have confidence in the decisions I make
Park outside and not worry about my car being buried by snow or a snowplow

Because who wants to live like this?!
Not this girl!

Make a mean BBQ chicken cauliflower crust pizza
See grandparents pretty much whenever I want




And that's just off the top of my head...

What can you do now that you couldn't do 12 months ago?