Little Purple Dress

The fun things about this outfit:

Dress - Thrifted for $2  Belt - Thrifted $0.50 Shoes - DSW long ago

Ok, first, this dress was $2...WHAT? It's a little formal for me, but I guess I might go on a date or be a guest at a wedding one of these day, and guess what... I know what I'm going to wear! I have to admit that I haven't actually worn this dress yet, but I had to show somebody before it hides out in my closet, waiting for a special occasion!

Second, sometimes I think Hannah's photography makes me look way better than real life. I'm in love with these pictures!

Third, I'm feeling so accomplished right now. I cleaned my house last night. Every room is clean, vacuumed, and dusted. I usually do not do it all in one sweep like that. So waking up to this is ah-may-zing!

Anyone else feeling accomplished with half the week still waiting to be conquered? 

A friend reminded me of this amazingly encouraging verse yesterday and I had to pass it on.

James 1:5

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God,
who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

Floral, Ruffles & Other Daydreams

The fun things about this outfit:

1. Shoes - Target

2. Shirt - Hand-Me-Down

3. Necklace - Friends Jewelry Company

Let's be honest! Sometimes a girl needs something floral and ruffles just to make her feel a little girly. I ended up wearing this with jeans instead of shorts but I still adore the top. And let's not even get started on how psyched I am that it's a hand-me-down...aka FREE.

The other day I was seriously drifting off to the land of my imagination and sometimes it gets super weird up in there. My mind started assigning colors to everyone I saw. Then with said color I'd imagine them making a face that (in my mind) showed the color's emotion. 

One lady got an incredible bright neon yellow and she totally made the biggest surprised face ever. This one guy got red, and steam started billowing out of his ears while his scrunched, puckered lips scooted way up into where his nose should have been. A flock of children from the day care down the way ran by and I saw cheetahs... yeah that one was weird.

And so goes the day dreaming.

Proverbs 31:30

Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,
    but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

Weekend Racap & Playin' it Casual

The fun things about this outfit:

1. Shoes - BX on my sisters Air Force Base

2. Shirt - Thrifted

3. Sweater - High School

4. Scarf - Just a piece f scratch fabric

5. Jewelry - All thrifted except brass bangle.

I know this outfit is pretty casual, but hey, so goes my weekends!

This weekend was a big consignors event called Pick Pocket Molly. It's a pretty sweet gig. Ladies get together with all their items to sell. They can choose at the end if they want to donate it or come pick it up to sell elsewhere. A portion of the proceeds goes toward an charity called Rapha House that fights child sex trafficking. Sooo...

I gathered all the things in my closet that I no longer wanted and piled them up to take out.

Once I tagged everything (which was much easier than I expected), I hopped in my car to drop it off. I was pretty excited. A) to get rid of all this stuff and B) to hopefully make a little money.

When I arrived, I was pretty floored. It was so organized and put together. I intentionally signed up for the last drop off time so I could peruse the aisle while I was there.

It was a blast and I'm totally looking forward to doing it again!

The funny thing is, that I used to be dragged to this little country club location 

when I was a kid. My mom would have my sister and I in tow as she spent what 

we felt was hours at the craft bazaars they used to hold here.

1 John 3:17-18

But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, 

yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him?

Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.

Singleness: Getting Personal Up in Here

The fun things about this outfit:

1. Shirt - Hand-Me-Down

2. Skirt- Thrifted

3. Necklace - Thrifted

4. Belt - Thrifted

Brace yourselves, folks. I'm about to get right down to it and dive into 

something real personal...feelings & stuff ya know?

Topic at hand:

"AAAWWW I'm Single"

So I may or may not have mentioned this giant fact before. 

But if you didn't know... Now you do. I'm single. 

The Back Story. Here's the thing. I have a huge desire to be married. I didn't always. In high school I thought it was silly that girls looked through wedding magz and knew what all the cuts of a diamond were called. What on earth were they doing with their lives? They were teenagers for goodness sake. But when my high school boyfriend and I kept dating on & off through college, I started to think it wasn't so far fetched to stay with someone forever. At that time I was not a follower of Jesus (If you read my blog on the regular, you know that now I do follow Jesus). We even started to talk about marriage. Although sometime along the way I realized that I was talking... He was just blank staring at me. Around the time of that realization, I started to pursue truth. I knew something was missing in my life, that up until then, I'd been trying to find in this relationship. In June 2009, for the first time out of 7 total break ups, I broke it off with Mr. Not-right-for-me. (Please know I'm not dissing this guy.) Two days later I headed off to a month of volunteering as a housekeeper at a camp 3 hrs away from all that I knew with no ties to the outside world... GULP... During that month away though, I found the truth I'd been searching for. I met my rock and asked Jesus to take over, because clearly I was failing at doing life.

I headed home, found a job where I didn't have to work Sundays, and plugged myself right into a church to make sure I had help learning what I had made a commitment to. And I never left. My church is packed with some of the most compassionate people I've ever met. And quite honestly, they're real. No one is walking around pretending they've got life figured out. We're just people, looking to Christ to guide us as life quickly comes at us. 

Here's the thing. I never stopped wanting to be married. My lovely church is filled with families. In fact, I think the number of kiddos will soon outnumber the adults. There's a running joke that **It's in the water** 

You know what isn't in the water... anywhere?
Singleness.

Singleness is such a loaded word. It comes packed full of assumptions, feelings, and responsibilities. When I'm reminded that I'm single, I'm reminded that I go home alone at night. I'm reminded that my heart sometimes aches to know the one who God has planned for me or aches to think it may not be in His plans at all. I'm reminded that I sometimes I have way to much time on my hands. I'm reminded that I don't have someone consistently checking in on me...(besides you mom. I know you're always checking in on me) I'm reminded of my nervous energy when I wonder if God somehow forgot about me. I'm reminded, that hardly anyone else is reminded. I'm reminded that people assume I must be dating someone when I'm really not. I'm reminded that since June 2009 I have not been asked on a single date. I'm reminded that most don't think their single jokes are at the expense of my heart. 

I told you it was a loaded word.

Don't get the wrong idea here. In all of those reminders, I'm also reminded that I am loved by the one who created me. And I'm reminded that His plans are perfect. I am treasuring my singleness and trying to make the most of my time because if the desires of my heart do come true, my time will no longer be only at the disposal of my own whims and plans. I understand that it is a gift to pursue things without attachments. I can fully serve Christ in ways that may not be realistic to a married woman or a momma. I can seriously meet you for coffee at a moments notice. I can spend a lot of time with high school girls (who are amazing). I'm not trying to wallow in self grief or pity parties. But there is a reality of hurt that exists without falling into the category of woh-is-me type attitudes. 

So for now I'm Single. I know that God will give me what I can handle. And apparently right now He knows that I can handle singleness. So I'll continue pouring time into young ladies at the high school. I'll continue (to try) to develop my talents and skills. And I will refuse to feel like I'm in limbo until Mr. Man-of-God arrives on his injured donkey and in his rusty armor after the battle he himself has been through before meeting me. I will live for Christ while I wait on Him.

Here are a few things I know: 

God is good. 

He loves me. 

I am a daughter of the King of kings. 

When I am discouraged or lonely (and let's be honest single ladies, it happens), 

I will look to Jesus and have confidence that He knows what He is doing.

I hope my bla bla bla about this was more of a glance into who I am than some sort deterrent.

And...Now you know.

1 Corinthians 7:34a

And the unmarried or betrothed woman is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to be holy in body and spirit.

Sit, Breath, Tweet

I hear GFC and Google Reader will no longer exist from July on, 

so to to keep updated on posts, follow with Bloglovin 

 The fun things about this outfit:
1. Jeans - Rock & Republic Thrifted
2. Shirt - Hand-Me-Down
3. Shoes - Target

Sometimes life gets going so ridiculously fast. It seems like it's rushing by 

and I'm grasping for things to show for it. You know those days when you're go-go-go? 

I think I'm having one of those months. I feel like June is zooming by. 

I can't believe it's the 13th already. I almost need to take a sec to sit down 

and breath for a second before round 2.

Pun 100% intended when I said I need to sit down. 

haha... I had to say something that tied into my pics didn't I? Is there a blogging rule that 

one must write about some sort of detail in the pictures? Well, if there is, my hide is safe!

There's a cute little chair in the studio when we were taking outfit pics. I'm not going to 

lie... I kind of loathe sitting pictures. I feel awkward. And worse, I look, like I feel awkward.

Oh well, life moves on and we all have awkward moments. 

I agree with Captain Jack Sparrow. I like to wave at those moments as they pass by. 

No use making the moment linger in "What Now" land or run in circles around 

"Who Saw That?" Laugh it off and keep-a goin!

No for one of those embarrassing moments that I like to wave at and hope 

it passes quickly... I need to be educated on this: TWITTER

As of yesterday, I'm now on twitter... What do I do now? Could someone please tell me what in the what a hash tag is or does? Also, would one of you kind souls please explain to me what twitter even accomplishes? I'm jumping on this band wagon blindly.

Also, what is a band wagon and why are people always jumping on them? 

Do bands even have wagons?

Hebrews 4:14-16
 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, 
the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who 
is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne 
of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Home Made & Cake Boss

The fun things about this outfit:

1. Shirt - HOME MADE

2. White Jeans - Thrifted then Skinnied

3. Shoes - Ross (Jessica Simpson)

4. Teal Bracelet - Thrifted

5. Purse - Thrifted

6. Necklace - Home Made

As you can see in some of the close up sleeve details, I'm not an expert seamstress. 

But I sure do like to sew. Most day's I'm 100% winging it but sometimes it comes out like

this shirt...Amazing! I'm sure you've already caught on that I'm a little proud of this one.

And yes, I am standing in front of that fun store, Foxtrot Vintage, 

from yesterday's fun post. Good eye you savvy reader!

You know how most people have a TV show that seems silly to watch, 

but they can't get enough? Oh my goodness. Cake Boss!

I'm saying this with minimal guilt because most of the time it was on as background 

noise as I did productive things (most...of the time). I think I probably watched close to 

25 episodes of Cake Boss in the last 3 days. This team of people is seriously talented...

Ralph, you sculpting genius, sarcastic, witty guy, you! Keeps me laughing!

Are there any other shows I should be watching out there? 

I'm talking serious talent or seriously funny. Give me some new ideas 

because youtube is running out of episodes for me to watch the Boss!

Philippians 2:3-5

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count 

others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not 

only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus

PATTERNED LOVE IS ON FACEBOOK

Foxtrot Vintage

The fun things about this outfit:

1. Dress - Thrifted for $4

2. Belt - Thrifted $0.50

3. Shoes - Target

4. Earrings - Oldies

Clearly, everyone knows that I love to thrift shop. And sometimes there's a fine line between thrifting and antiquing. But in the last year or so, I've started to really like antique shops too. I generally don't purchase as often as I do at a thrift store but I love to look!

Downtown G-town is pretty much amazing. It's where my favorite coffee shop is located.

It's where I get my hair cut. It's where you'll find some of the best sun-dried tomato 

bagels of your entire life. It's where World's Apart Studios has landed! (They officially launched on June 1 and I wore this dress to their open house.) It is where one 

of my favorite thrift stores is. It's home to our farmers market, library, cupcakery, 

and restaurants & salons galore.

Seriously Downtown G-town is the place to be! 

Recently I've notice that antique stores are making their rounds. 

I think we've had about 5 go in on Main St. I think 2 are left standing now 

and my favorite let us take outfit pictures inside.

Foxtrot Vintage has it all! Once I even tried on a pair of Nordstrom boots 

from way back when. Sadly, they were about half a size to small, 

otherwise for $10 I would have swept them up!

I found some super fun things in there while we were exploring! 

A huge vintage Coke Cola cooler! A legit old bowling ball, shoes, and bag! 

They have a crazy large selection of glass ware and random art. 

My favorite purchase I've ever made there was a red clutch for just $7. 

If you're a local! You've gotta check this place out! Even just for some window shopping!

P.S. Don't forget to like Patterned Love on Facebook 

and leave me your facebook link so I can return the favor!

Psalm 46:10

Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, 

I will be exalted in the earth!

Weekend Recap

Ok, tell me this is true for everyone else, too!

Weekends go by waaay to fast! 

Sometimes I feel like I go in having a seriously manageable list of To-Do's and 

by the end I'm thinking, "What have I been doing for the past 2 days?"

This weekend, however, was packed with lots of fun!

Friday Night my church had a Ladies Night! It was organized as a 

fundraiser for the Guardian Project which is working toward bringing 

a mobile ultrasound unity to our community. 

This fundraiser was So. Much. Fun. Ladies came and set up little stations. Retro Modern Hats was selling adorable hats for ladies and babies. Someone was there selling skin care products. We had a couple talented gals getting us all dolled up. One for hair, one for make up. Worlds Apart Studios was there doing a photo booth. (yep they take my outfit shots and are amazing. They even have a blog you could follow.) There was coffee, wine, and most importantly...dessert! So as I at some delicious treats I had my hair curled by a pro.

Oh yeah, and I brought some of my favorite DIY inspirations from 

psimadethis.com to share. I felt a little lame having not done one of the 

DIY's yet, so this weekend I got to work. If you follow my instagram 

@patternedlove you may recognize these sweet denims.

I had to wear these out so I was pretty excited I had a dinner date with one of my

dearest friend who's just returned home after being oversees for almost a year.

We ate some amazing Mexican food, down in trendy town... well that's what I call it.

That's all for today! Check back tomorrow for an outfit post.

And don't forget! I now have a facebook page! Yeah! Joining this century!

Head over and like it. And leave me your link below so I can return the favor.

Jude 1:2

May mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you.

Wonderful Walker, Facebook, and HomeMade

The fun things about this outfit:
1. Shirt - 100% HomeMade. This is the second
shirt I ever made. Just fabric & my brain.
2. Leggings - Second Hand
3. Boots - Borrowed
4. Scarf - Gift (Yes. It is now way to hot for scarves!)

Well I've got a list of DIY's that I'd like to get done by mid July. 

Sooo, that means that you should be seeing more of the crafty, 

wingin' it side of me pretty soon!

On Saturday as I stood on a corner advertising our Plant Sale fundraiser, 

a pair of walkers came across the street. Our general reaction to this, is to politely 

step out of their way so we're not in their face screaming "GET YOUR PLANTS!"

But a strange and wonderful thing happened as I made momentarily awkward 

eye contact with one of said walkers. She looked me up and down a few times in 

my running/get-a-tan-on-the-corner clothes and the said, "Hey, I follow your blog."

Say what home girl?

She said, "Yeah, aren't you the blogger from Patterned Love?"

By now I'm seeing fireworks and starting to blush. What? 
Who am I that someone would notice me on the side of the road? 
Who am I that I have a legit home town follower! 

I wanted to do a happy dance involving the stainky leg, disco, and a strange 
shoulder shimmy all while singing Oh Happy Day... 
But then I remembered I was standing next to a High School girl 
who'd just met me that morning. 

Gotta ease people into my crazy, ya know. 
I'm not sure she would have been ready for it.

Needless to say, I was pretty pumped and humbled at the same time. 

Someone knew who I was... And they like me. 

Isn't that funny how we all need validation sometimes? 

I love it how God gives it to us in the funniest, and randomest places. 

Places like a street corner while holding a cut out sign for plants. 

{Girl, you know who you are! Thank you for making my day!}

P.S. I HAVE OFFICIALLY GIVEN MY BLOG A FACEBOOK PAGE!

Check it out HERE to like the page.

I'd love to show your blog some Facebook love (or like) too. 

Leave your link in the comment below.

Psalm 92:1-3

It is good to give thanks to the Lord,
    to sing praises to your name, O Most High;

to declare your steadfast love in the morning,
    and your faithfulness by night,

to the music of the lute and the harp,
    to the melody of the lyre.