Love Me Some Clothing Swaps

I hosted my first clothing swap last week and it went great! All but two of the girls who came were swap newbies so it was fun to introduce a swap to them. I think they all enjoyed it and left with some "new" finds. Nothing better than getting new clothes for free!

Here's my tips for hosting a swap:

Invite a variety of girls - all shapes and sizes - and give them some advance notice so they can gather up items

Encourage them to bring more than clothes; jewelry and purses are a huge hit. Shoes aren't usually as popular due to size differences

Have lots of space for people to sprawl out and try on clothes

Encourage each other to try new things! (One reason I love swaps is because I always leave with something I would have never tried on at a store! Or learn that a color I never thought would look good on me does!)

Choose a nonprofit (or two) to donate leftover clothes to and have fun sorting through the items with your guests! (That's what I love even more about swaps - you get to donate to worthy causes!)

And lastly... just have fun and get ready for some cute clothes! :)

And for kicks: found these cute socks at Target, which I gave out as party favors during my clothing swap!

Latest Shoe Buys

When I was in Florida earlier this month, I fell in lust with two pairs of flats... and, of course, they came home with me! Flats are my new thing because I'm staying away from heels due to a knee issue. (This once brought me down but I'm over it because I now have an arsenal of super cute flats! Plus I'll wear those heels again soon.)

Here's the latest additions to the shoe collection (both were under $25)!


Digging those sparkles! You can find these shoes here.


So comfy and sassy! Check them out here!

Until next time, shoe lovers...

Love Yourself!

My friend Anna and I were hanging out last night when I pointed to a mark on my skin and asked her what it was. Her answer was that it was discoloration that comes with aging and pointed to a similar looking mark on her leg.

Aging?! That's a hard pill to swallow. I'm in my 20s and I am in denial that I'm getting older and I'm going to wrinkle and get even more funky spots on my body. Yesterday was the first time I've heard someone tell me something on my body is due to that dreaded A word. And it hurt! Aging is beautiful but I think it can hold off a little while longer.

Speaking of bodies... I am sure you all have noticed how we women put ourselves down? I was thinking recently that it happens way too much, which is sad. Yesterday I heard someone at Ross say "I can't squeeze my fat a$$ into those pants." I wanted to walk up to her and give her a hug.

Instead of focusing on our flaws, which is so easy to do, we should focus on the things we love about ourselves. And I'm telling you all this first... I am going to try to do this with myself... remind me of this goal next time I'm in a dressing room, okay? ;)

Here's to loving ourselves more... age spots and all!

Heaven in Destin

I had my first week-long vacation recently and I got to spend it in Destin, Fla. Gosh, it was amazing. I didn't want to leave. I wish I was still there!

My dad and stepmom moved to Florida this past February, so I quickly booked a vacation to see them. The trip ended up being right after I accepted a new job and started a new one, so it was perfect timing.

I spent majority of my time on this beach soaking up the sun.



The sunsets blew me away.



The (very) few times I left the beach, we went shopping. There are some great places to shop and eat in the area!

Here's my dad and I.



Panama City Beach. So peaceful and pretty!



For the most part, the water was so clear and calm. It was absolutely perfect. Man, can I go back right now?!




What's your favorite vacation that you've taken?

Birthday Blessings

Life's been busy for me lately... I went to Dallas, then it was my birthday, I spent a week in Florida, I had my last week at my old job and I'm about to start a new job tomorrow. It's been a whirlwind, let me tell you. I'm going to break all of it up into a few posts. Up first: birthday!

I was fortunate to celebrate my birthday a few times this year... with my brother, friends and my dad and stepmom. Here's a picture recap!


Happy hour with co-workers


Out and about with the girls (and fellas - not pictured!)


Dinner in Destin with family

It was a wonderful birthday!

Peace

Sending sunshine to all my blog friends....