All is Full of Love

All is full of love today. My outfit says so. Well my outfit is full of hearts and hearts mean love so there.

These last few days have been full of bad weather. We've had straight up gloomy, depressing days that make me want to watch entire seasons of shows on Netflix and never get out of bed, but I've done my best to work against that. Hopefully tomorrow will be bright and beautiful. Oh and did I mention I'll be in COLORADO soon? I cannot wait.

We had a great team meeting today for church and I really felt like we laid great groundwork for next year. I feel like I can say this publicly, but I am so grateful for the team that I work with and for their heart for ministry. It's just incredible.

So I love this skirt for many reasons. 1) It's got cheesy hearts on it. 2) It fits me perfectly 3) the second button is missing so the person who gave it away just pinned it with a safety pin. I was so cheap that the first time I saw it at the thrift store, I went on a a day that the women's clothing didn't have an additional discount so I left it thinking, "surely no one else will want this ridiculous skirt" Sure enough, no on else wanted this ridiculous skirt. I went back on 50% off women's clothing day and got this skirt for $1.50. Now I know what you're thinking...The skirt was only $3! But it is seriously, it's so difficult for me to buy clothes on a normal day. I'm addicted to the additional discount days. I know, I'm crazy.

It's been a great day AND the Stars just won against the Islanders so, I'm a happy gal. Can't wait for Austin to be done with school so we can officially start our Christmas break!

Love,

Ani "I love wearing hearts" B.

{Shirt: Thrifted [h&m] ($1.59), Skirt: Thrifted ($1.50), Cardigan: F21 (?), Jacket: Target similar ($19.99), Tights: ?, Shoes: h&m ($12.95), Beanie: F21 ($4.99), Belt: Thrifted ($1.99)}

Sunny Sunday

My sister had this dress before I did. In fact, the first time I saw it on her, I thought "Man, that's a cute dress". Months later I found one at SVDP and bought it for probably a quarter of what she paid for it. Sorry sis. Either way, I plan on wearing it with her so we can be twins again.

This day has been so lovely. Despite getting to bed late because I stayed up watching the Stars game, I went to church this morning feeling grateful for a Sunday off-ish. The youth band was leading this morning so most of us had the week off, but I got the pleasure of helping out some of the young ladies who were vocalists. They reminded me so much of myself at their age. It's pretty amazing when you hear lyrics like, "I see a generation rising up to take their place with selfless faith," to actually hear those singing who are the next generation.

Anyhow, it was a great morning and this evening we got to partake in more worship. Life is good and things are falling into place in a way that I couldn't have planned better for myself.

Ok, enough deep thoughts. I don't know what to do with my free time. Yeah, I said it. I'm totally unsure as to how to deal with free time. I started watching Mad Men and have yet to start reading a book, but I'm really wanting to do something that is productive. Am I the only person who gets annoyed quickly with free time? I feel like I should be doing something worthwhile. I plan on doing a few projects that Elsie displayed on her blog. Or perhaps I'll start cooking again. I know practically, I'll get more practice time in on piano and guitar, which is always nice. It's nice not to feel guilty about doing the things you enjoy in your free time. However, I don't always remember what I enjoy, so I plan on rediscovering that.

That's all for today.

{Dress: Thrifted [Mossimo] ($6.00), Cardigan: F21 (Old?), Tights: ?, Shoes: h&m ($12.95), Headband: ?)

Mixin it Up

So I'm finally done with finals!! As a celebratory event, I went to the Bath House Cultural Center at White Rock Lake and took way too many pictures. It was so perfect outside today.

Oh! Look what I found!

Seriously, I was WAY too excited about this painted butterfly stump

Here was the view.

This was a fun pattern mix. It came together without much effort so I knew it was meant to be. Honestly, I've seen quite a few mixed patterns that look so cool and then I've seen ones that just fall flat. So I'm glad this one felt good for me. Also, I'm sure you can't tell, but I love navy.

So, I've not been a huge fan of living in Dallas for a bunch of different reasons. One of those reasons is simple: people are rude. They're rude on the highway, in public service, at the bank, at the mall, in restaurants, in my neighborhood. The list could go on, but I think you ger the idea. However, this week has proven me wrong and I stand in a place of humble correction. I've had various interactions this week where people have just, straight up, been pleasant. I've gotten hand waves in my alley to let me drive forward. I've had baggers at the grocery store offer to help me take firewood to my car. I had a sweet lady at the thrift store ask me about my measurements cause she needed help deciding if she wanted to buy some jeans for her daughter that was my size. I can't tell if it's just because I'm just in a happier mood or what, but I'm digging it. I think I'm going to do my best to be aware of people around me. It's just too easy to ignore people (especially when all I have is school on my mind). So my goal in this lovely season is to pay attention and not be so rude. It's tough, I know.

Austin and I went to his middle schools' Fall Orchestra concert tonight. First of all, am I the only one who gets super nostalgic when you're in a public school (for those of you who have been in the public education system, of course)? I start reverting back to my middle school self. It's hilarious. Anyway, I'm always pretty excited when I can go with Austin to his school events because I can meet people that he interacts with on a daily basis and witness the environment he works in. I respect my husband so much for taking on such a role of financial leader for our family. I mean, c'mon, he teaches 7th grade math (a subject hated by many) in DISD. Since he has given me the opportunity to work on my Master's degree while he works, I cannot wait to hold down the fort when the time comes for him to pursue his dreams.

Anyhow, the Dallas Stars game is about to start so I'm going to wrap this up. I can't believe Austin got me into hockey because our buddy Preston got him into hockey. It's become quite the obsession, which is probably why we'll move to Canada someday.

Till tomorrow...

{Currently listening to: Gossip-Heavy Cross on repeat}

{Dress [as top]: Thrifted ($.99), Skirt: Plato's Closet [Gilly Hicks] ($12.00), Belt: Thrifted (.99), Sweater: Thrifted [GAP] ($2.99), Shoes: Target ($14.99),Tights: ?, Sunglasses: Target ($12.99), Necklace: Gift from madre, Earrings: Target ($4.99)}