Cozy Dayz

 The fun things about today's outfit:

1. Scarf - Gift

2. Sweater - Thrifted for $3

3. Shoes - $10 (here)

Just having a little jump & spin fun in that last pic! Yes, I'm a little kid at heart!

You know what I love about sweaters? Well, I'll tell ya! They are SOOO comfy! Comf & Coze, I always say! You know those days when you just want to wear sweats? I do. Come on, we all have those days. That's why I love sweaters too! They are just as comfy as a sweatshirt...sometimes more. And they are so much cuter. Then I don't feel like I'm in middle school, too. 

Plus add some cute flats, jeans, and a scarf... and you're in business!

Tomorrow is going to be a long post, so I'm keeping today short. Swing by tomorrow to find out some unknowns about me, when I follow up with a nomination for the Liebster Award.

Colossians 1:15-16

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.

Coming Soon!

The fun things about today's outfit:

1. Jeans - Thrifted these great light wash jeans for $5

2. Shirt - Refashioned by me! Thrifted for $4

3. Necklace & Solid Silver Bracelet - My Friends Jewelry company.

4. Sparkle Bracelet - $1 Target

Refashion Shirt:

1. Turn shirt upside down. That's right! Put the neck around your waist, 

and your arms and head out the bottom.

2. Sew the bottom together from side seem toward middle 1/3 of the full width. 

Do this on each side.

3. Use seem ripper to rip side seems the sections you just sewed together.

Wear (Be sure to pull down over neck so it looks bunched around waist.

P.S. I promise my Refashion instructions will get better photographed as time goes. 

I'm currently only posting ones that I did prior to having a blog. 

So really they are before/after photos turned mock tutorial.

I'm so excited to say that today was wonderful! I kicked it off with a run (which ended as a walk due to yesterdays cross-fit work out soreness) Then spent a good hour and a half chatting with my sister (I'll tell you more about that in a sec.) Went to coffee with a new friend! Gathered for dinner with some great friends from church. (A southern couple has adopted me...the single...and has been introducing me to southern cooked meals! No complaining here!) Then I ended with some volleyball! Great day, dontcha say?

No back to my sister! She to is a new blogger. I'll be sending out her link soon. Starting next Saturday we'll be guest posting for each other with a little alliteration we're calling Sister Saturdays. (I know, I know... Brilliant name. Go ahead be amazed at our creativity.) I'm really excited for her blog. It's home stuff, like cooking and organization and diy's. So it will be a fun change in pace from the daily outfit. (Now that I think of it...she might do an outfit now and then too.) So keep an eye out because this sister of mine is one of a kind! 

Psalm 118:22-24

The stone which the builders rejectedHas become the chief cornerstone.

This was the Lord’s doing;
It is marvelous in our eyes. 
This is the day the Lord has made;
We will rejoice and be glad in it.

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DIY: Purple Dress Refashioned

The fun things about today's outfit:

1. Purple Dress - Thrifted for about $5 and refashioned into the above. 

2. Jewelry - Both bracelets & the necklace were purchased from my friends jewelry company.

Like I mentioned before, it's not the least expensive, but it's supporting a friend!

3. Boots - Target

4. Belt - This came on a sweater I purchased at kohls...

Should not have been on that sweater, but it looks great paired with dresses!

This is seriously one of my favorite refashions ever! It is so comfy!

Today had so much sun! I love it. And not a ton of wind, so it even felt like spring. 
{sigh} I can feel the flowers aching to blossom! YEAH!

This afternoon I hit up a friend to grab coffee (one of my favorite pass times) and she responded with, "I have to be at the cross-fit gym for an hour to work out. Want to come with me?" So off I went, ready to sweat out the sweet coffee I'd been sipping this morning. It was so sweet! I've never done a cross fit work out before... I want to join that sweet gym! Only problem...$$$$$. So when I get that budget in place, maybe I'll jump in!

1 Timothy 4:8
For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, 
having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.

Writing It Down

The fun things about today's outfit:

1. Scarf - Christmas Gift

2. Belt - Thrifted for $1

3. Boots - Thrifted for $16

4. Skirt - Thrifted for $4 and cut shorter. (It started mid-calf)

5. Shirt - Target

6. Tights - Target

You know what I'm really bad at? 

Remembering.

I somehow have the great gift of forgetfulness. Lame. Luckily I have a smart phone that carries my calendar and reminders and numerous "to-do" type lists. But my smart phone isn't a great tool for memorization or study. I suppose I can google things on my phone or find resources but for me it's not the same.

One thing I've found as huge help in remembering is to write things down. Even if I never look at what I wrote a second time, somehow it helps to stick in my brain just by the act of writing it down. So in an effort to better remember what I study (currently studying First John) I'm writing. I've decided to write out the whole book of First John a couple times throughout my study times.

What helps you remember? I could use more tips and tricks!

Deuteronomy 6:5-7

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.

Getting Back on Course

The fun things about today's outfit:

1. Shoes - Ross (2008)

2. Black Chunk Bracelet - Thrifted for $2

3. Necklace - This is a treasure to me! All the beads except the huge green balls used to be on a necklace my mom wore when she was my age. It was a gorgeous 3 strand beaded marvel! 

When I was in high school I wore this necklace to school one day and a girls worst nightmare happened. It broke. Not only that, but it broke in the middle of the gym, and beads flew everywhere. 

I salvaged enough to add these large ball beads and create something new. 

(Only my mom didn't like the new one so I kept it.)

4. Shirt - Kohls

5. Hair - This fun twisted look is exactly that. Twisted with the concept of french braiding. 

And yes, I picked it up from the high school girls I hang around :)

I've decided to set some goals. I've been pondering this since 2013 began. Budgets always come up in conversations lately. And I've committed to running a half-marathon which seems daunting. And I have way to many DIY's sitting un-DIY-ed in a tub. So with inspiration from Nicole over at Writes Like a Girl, I'm going to get back on course with some previously defined goals. What will this look like?

OBJECTIVE #1: RUNNING  

I really need to kick my half-marathon training into gear. Right now I'm only running about 3x a week. That number needs to go up or I'm not going to make it to the first Gatorade station before I keel over.

They ARE going to have Gatorade stations right? I'm determined to get into gear. That might mean waking up way early to fit the gym in before work. So I'm resolving that for the month of March I'm going to try to fit my work-out into my AM routine rather than my PM routine, at least twice a week. I'll keep you posted on if this truly is successful.

OBJECTIVE #2: MONEY

Re implement my budget. Yep, I've tried before. I don't know if I get bored, or annoyed, or if I just forget. But I never stick to a budget more than a couple months at a time. Don't misunderstand. It's not that I overspend. I just don't track anything. BUT, no more! I've already downloaded an app for my phone and have put in all my numerical whatchamacallits so I can start tracking. 

OBJECTIVE #3: CREATIVITY

I'm sure none of you would guess that I'm in a creative dry-land right now based on the fact that I've been posting some DIY's pretty regularly. But ... it is true. My tub runneth over... My DIY tub that is. A large pink tub, sits overflowing at my house, with clothes needing altering & jewelry needing to be crafted. What am I doing? 

Well, apparently not that. Until now, that is. I'm kicking my lazy butt into creative gear.

Let's be honest we all have lazy days now and then. For me it seems like more now than then though. When I really think about it, that seems so discouraging. I'm waisting precious time that I've been given, which makes me all the more motivated to get back on course. 

Anything you're needing to get back on course with?

Well now that this post has become far longer than usual I will end with a verse and be on my way. 

What verse applies?

Ephesians 5:15-16

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.

DIY: Mondays

The fun things about this outfit:

1. Shoes - Found online randomly via pinterest (here) 

I swung them for $10 but they've gone up.

2. Necklace - Made by me.
3. T-shirt - Target
4. Jeans - Buckle

DIY Necklace:

1. Get your supplies: Old T-shirt & beads
2. Cut strips off the t-shirt horizontally and pull them. 
(They will curl into themselves when you pull them tight)
3. Get your supplies easily accessible.
4. One at a time, string beads onto each t-shirt strand. 
Seperate beads however you want.
5. Tie each single strand at the end.
6. When each strand is beaded and tied at different lengths lay the 
knotted portions together over a seperate strip of fabric.
7. Wrap strip around knots several times.
8. Tie off the finishing strip of fabrc.
WEAR IT.
(I know the DIY pics are a different necklace. 
I didn't take step photos of the one I'm wearing.)

Monday tends to be a pretty casual day for me as far as what I wear. 
I spend the evening with high schoolers so it's pretty much never a heals type of shoe day. We sit on the floor, so it's almost guaranteed that I wont be found in a skirt. And I tend to dress up for goofy skits mid night so I usually where something easy to change out of and not super heavy so I don't overheat. And so we are left with  a v-neck & jeans kind of day. Which leaves the fun things to be limited to accessories. 

What I love about my typical Monday, despite not dressing up to much, is that I get to spend all that time with those high school students. And we get to play games and act goofy (yep, that's whats up with the grumpy pants wigged picture). AND we get to talk to them about my true love. Jesus! I love it! I love being part of their lives and really caring about them. I think people under estimate high school students. And middle school students for that matter. They have a lot going on. They have tough stuff at home. They need hope, too. Life isn't all daisies and drama for them. Life is real. Life has obstacles. Life needs love. And one thing I know, is that God is love!

1 John 4:15-16

Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.

DIY: Sunny Side Up

The fun things about today's outfit:

1. Scarf - Once again, Christmas gift. Are you sick of my Christmas gift scarfs yet?

2. Shoes - Target

3. Belt - Had this since 2007 and this is the second time I've worn it!

4. DRESS - All caps because it's a DIY. Thrifted for $5
5. Coat - Thrifted for $12.50

DIY Dress: 
1. Turn "dress" inside-out. Sew along dotted line. Cut off the excess fabric. 
That fabric will make it snug and lumpy if you leave it on.
2. Cut along solid line at desired length. Sew bottom hem. 
I do this by folding the fabric under twice. 

I promise my DIY pictures will get better and more detailed as I get used to taking pictures along the way. As of right now I find myself finishing a step and realizing I didn't photo document it to show you... Sorry. I'll get better!

Well the sun was shining today here! I'm loving it. Although when we went outside to 

take some pictures it was still pretty cold. THEN we (Hannah and I) walked into the 

little wooded area and it was like a walk in freezer in there. But that's ok. I still love 

the sun! I couldn't help but basque in it for a little while! It's funny how the sun lifts a persons mood when said person is used to rain dark skies. Here's the thing, I've never 

been one of those people who gets glum when the rain wont stop. In fact I love the Northwest! I like rain and sun..... 

I just started humming, "Joy & Pain....Sunshine & Rain" 

Totally did a youtube search to make sure you all know the song I'm thinking of, 

and found these rad girls.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; 
for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Nao & Good 'Ol Joe

The fun-fun-fun things about today's outfit:

1. Maroon Shirt - Thrifted for $10 (I think that is a little high in price for a 

simple shirt BUT this treasure came with a matching awkward-mid-calf skirt. 

So I did it and maybe that will become a high/low skirt in the future...maybe...

I haven't had much luck with those in the past.)

2. Chain Necklace - Thrifted for $2 (yep just a chain wrapped twice and 

clipped behind my hair)

3. Shoes - Thrifed (I'm not sure the price here because I thrifted these 

over 4 years ago. Way before I considered myself a thrifter.)

4. Chunky Flower Bracelet - Thrifted for $1 at a little local store that I will 

only shop for jewelry in because all the clothes there smell like someone 

just chain smoked right next to them for the past 5 years.

5. Purse - Who knows? I've had this since high school.

6. WATER - That's right! I'm including it in my outfit!

So in an effort to be a little healthier and have more hydrated skin, I am drinking more water. I probably only drink about 1/2 of this size water a day right now. Let's be honest, I'm a coffee drinker from morning til night. So my goal is 3 of these bad boys a day. 

But now that I mentioned coffee, let's keep talking! 

I spent a good 6-7 hours today at coffee shops. 

Correct! 

I said that as a plural. Three coffee shops to be exact. I was thinking maybe I should have called my blog, "Nao and A Cup of Joe" or "Naomi's Coffee Crazies" or something else more creative. It seems like I've mentioned coffee shops in at least half my ramblings so far. 

Oh well, it's my life. And my life wants coffee!

Don't worry though, I'm not waisting time while I sit around sipping my hot caffeine! I'm spending quality time with quality people having quality conversations and developing quality relationships. 

WHILE I'm sipping some quality hot caffeine! 

Although maybe I should cut back. Not sure if you  noticed but I did say fun 3 times up there and it may be attributed to my current level of caffeination.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Full Friday

The fun things about this outfit:

1. Chambray Shirt - Thrifted for about $7 and taken in so it wouldn't be huge.

2. Jeans - Thrifted for $6 (see why I bought them here.)

3. Chunk Turquoise Bracelet - Thrifted

4. Shoes - The most comfortable pair you'll ever wear that aren't flat.

5 Necklace & Two Skinny Bracelets - This wasn't cheap but I bought it from a friend who sells jewelry. Supporting friends businesses is always fun, even if it's a little spendy!

I've always been scared to wear a chambray shirt with jeans. I know people do this all the time. I see it look legit. But I still can never bring myself to do it. So, this morning I basically forced myself to try. Once I had it on I looked in the mirror for a while before deciding, "Yep, it works." and running out the door.

I totally thought today was packed full of plans. I had things on the sched from work 

in the morning and go go go after... Slowly one thing after another fell through. 

So once again, I'm about to venture over to my trusted local coffee shop and sip a 

little joe and spend some time reading the Word; preparing to meet with some 

wonderful women tomorrow morning. 

Psalm 119:9-12

How can a young man cleanse his way?
By taking heed according to Your word.With my whole heart I have sought You;

¹⁰ Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments!Your word I have hidden in my heart, 

That I might not sin against You.

Blessed are You, O Lord! Teach me Your statutes.