Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Fringe Benefits

I shared with you guys my state of mind early last month. I figured why not again. Honestly, I didn't have a topic lined up today, just a clever little post title. So, chatting about feelings seemed like an easy route for post content, plus it is Random Wednesday after all.

SHOP THE LOOK



Heart Broken -Logan admitted that she doesn't believe in our Elf on the Shelf anymore. She said she knew last year, but played along with the "game". I wanted to continue the magical lies, but I didn't have the heart to keep the story going. She is on the fence about Santa Claus, but I think we have her believing one more year. I know this is not what Christmas is all about, but it rips me up inside knowing that Santa will most likely not exist to her this time next year. They grow up too fast. At least she is keeping her lips sealed for Landry and all her friends at school. I may or may not have threatened her if she spilled the beans. 

Stressed - Hmmmm, where should I begin? Holiday gift buying, Christmas cards need to be addressed and mailed, Ross's birthday is tomorrow, hosting company Christmas party at our house Saturday, need oil change, car registration and inspection two months expired (Dad, I swear I am doing it this week), no food in the fridge, laundry overflowing, dishwasher broken and Landry's fish bit the dust (total meltdown in our house). I won't go any further. Just SO much going on right now I need a brown paper sack.

Beyonce-ful - In brighter news, I am going to see Beyonce in Dallas on Monday with two of my best gals. We bought our tickets months ago and have been counting down the days. I love this woman, possibly obsessed...her voice, music, choreography, legs and just her in general. I am sure I will be blowing up Instagram all day Monday. Just warning you.

Joyful - All the stress at the end of the day is worth all the joy that this time of year brings. Yes, I am running around like a chicken with my head cut off. I am sure most of us are, but isn't this the most magical time? At this very moment I am soaking it all in; Christmas movies on every night, Peppermint Twist candle aroma filling my home, twinkling lights sprinkled around the house, the kids being on their best behavior because Santa is making his list, random acts of kindness from strangers, the hustle and bustle at the stores, peppermint chocolate chip milkshakes at Chic-fil-A, spiked apple cider by the fire, burlap bows, Mariah Carey's All I Want for Christmas on repeat and the list goes on. I just need to remind myself that this is the season of giving, joy, love and celebrating my Savior. All the other "stuff" really is just icing on the cake...thick, homemade, vanilla icing with lots of sprinkles.


 **If you are linking up today, the only request is that you follow my blog with GFC or Bloglovin' and link back to it in your post. It's how weekly link ups work. Oh, and go meet some new friends! 
 
 

Linking up with The Pleated Poppy.


Shanna

58 comments:

List Addict said...

It's a good balance of emotions you have to make you feel all and all human! Thanks for sharing and thanks so much for hosting. Enjoy the lead up to the silly season.

Ashley said...

Love this outfit Shanna, those boots are amazing!!! Kids definitely grow up way too quick but at least with the Santa Claus part, it bought you time until next year :)

Xo,
Sincerely Miss Ash

Unknown said...

Bummer that Logan is doesn't believe in Elf on the Shelf anymore. My son is starting to question things and I am so not ready for him to not believe yet. He is already not wanting to kiss me goodbye when I drop him off at school and he is only 5!!!

I would love to see Beyonce in concert - she is just awesome all around. I am sure she will put on an awesome show!

Alice
www.happinessatmidlife.com

Carelia said...

LOL..I just loaded the pictures of what I wore yesterday and the only thing I can say is "GREAT MINDS THINK ALIKE" you look awesome and your outfit is fun and cheerful.

"I've Got Sunshine on a cloudy day" new post on:
http://www.mysmallwardrobe.com

Anonymous said...

Cute fringe! Kids do grow up fast. My girls still believe and are fearful of black coal in their stockings. ;) I have barely done any holiday shopping... yikes! We did get our lights up on the house and trees this week and it definitely feels festive. :)

Lauren {By Lauren M} said...

I can completely relate to your holiday stress! We have so much going on right now and since my husband works retail, he's pretty much MIA until after Christmas. SO MUCH to do!!

Also, super-obsessed with this fringe top! It's not something I would have ever have picked up off a rack, but I love the way you styled it here!!

Becky M said...

I love this look! I hope your stress level gets better soon! We're hosting a Christmas party Saturday too - I'm trying to prep way in advance!

agirlandhersparkles.blogspot.com

Mo said...

Loving the fringe sweater! Cute. :-)

Mo

Rachelle (http://pinksole.com/) said...

I saw Beyonce a few months ago and she is amazing, you will have fun.


xo
http://pinksole.com

Charming Lucy said...

You always put together the cutest outfits! I get so many great ideas from you! I have a denim vest that I purchased 20 years ago and I still have it in my closet! Now I need a southwestern sweater! As for Santa, my kiddo is almost a teen, and he still comes to my house. We leave cookies and milk and write him letters. Because if you don't believe, you get socks underwear;) Susan

Unknown said...

Great look! Your hair is gorgeous!

I'm experiencing the same thing here with Reagan and Santa. She is seriously questioning it but is also playing along for her two little sisters. Thank God!

I realized a gap in my schedule next week for work and I'm elated I can just do holiday things and soak up some time.

xo,
Vicky

Setarra said...

Ahhhh so jealous you're going to go see Beyonce live! I love that woman as well :) Love your boots, they look uber comfortable!

GlamVolution said...

Love the fringe sweater, Shanna! Thanks for sharing, youu are so inspiring! Thanks for hosting the link up!
xo,
Monica
http://glamvolution.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

You look so pretty. This is a good look for you. Love the sweater and your hair!

Tracy @Its Mostly About Fashion

Unknown said...

Your openness is always so refreshing. It's nice to hear someone else's life is a little hectic and messy at times. I never would have picked up this fringe top, but I love it! Well done!

Ashley said...

I can only imagine....I'm so sad just thinking about the day that they boys figure everything out about Santa and our Elf.

Beyonce will be awesome!!!!

Unknown said...

I think I found out in second grade about Santa and I was seriously devastated. AND I told my cousin and got grounded until Christmas. Bad girl... Love that look by the way and trust me, I totally feel you on the stress!

Kerry @ Till Then Smile Often said...

I can totally relate to the holiday stress though it is my favorite time of year! The calendar is overflowing and so much to get done. Hope you find some time to de-stress and have a few moments to breathe!

Sybil@PeaceitallTogether said...

Last year, after Christmas, my girls and I had a talk about Santa and all other "legendary figures." However, they are still talking up Santa this year, so that their brother is none the wiser. My hubby's birthday is this week too...along with two Christmas programs, etc. Busy, but joyful times!! :)

Unknown said...

Your bag is so lovely! Oh the bitter sweet holiday season, it comes with the territory you will survive. So jealous of your Beyonce concert, trust me cant wait to see the updates on instagram.
Dee
Ms Dee Kay

Lisa said...

Hi Shanna! Thank you so much for the link up!! You look beautiful, I love the outfit!! Thank you for this post- I needed to see a dose of reality this holiday. I have stresses up the wazoo too and its very nice to know i'm not the only one!! Thanks so much again for sharing!! XOXO

Lisa

http://www.Fashionbythemin.com

Rebecca said...

If ever you're stressed...you don't look like it Shanna. You in fact look great in the boho inspired look. Dont worry....just take it all in!!! Happy Holidays!

Rebecca
www.redtagchiclosangeles.com

rebeccalately said...

I feel the same way right now -- stressed and blessed!

Alison @ Get Your Pretty On said...

Ahh, thanks for the perspective this time of year. I have way too many stresses wearing me down. There's a lot to celebrate though, so much. Love the fringe and boho vibe of your outfit today!

Carly said...

Aw man, tis the season…..it's stressful and wonderful all at once! The concert sounds amazing!

Carly
www.lipglossandcrayons.com

susan jakovina said...

Definitely sounds like we have parallel lives. Except for in mine, I am freezing all the time and have crappier online shopping :o

The Pink Growl said...

Girl have fun at that Beyoncé concert! I would loooove to see her! I bet she is fierce live!

Anonymous said...

Totally going to have to live vicariously when you go to the concert! I've been trying to the her live for years, I hear it's nothing short of AMAZING!! Enjoy! :)

Unknown said...

LOVE your layers here and that fringe top is amazing!

Sarah Tucker said...

We have almost the exact same stresses. Finally got the Christmas cards out this morning, Christmas parties all around, got car inspected yesterday, but didn't have time for the oil change, we have no food in our house and no clothes either because I refuse to spend the few moments of peace I get every night doing laundry!!

Amy Shaughnessy said...

Love this look! That sweater is so fun! My hubby's birthday is Saturday and I still don't know what to get him or what to do for him. Men are so hard to shop for!

Amy

Fashion and Beauty Finds

Helene in Between said...

omg you'll be in dallas!! i would say we should meet up but you're going to see beyonce. dangit i want to go!
im sorry about logan and elf on the shelf, that would make me sad too!
i also want to tell you- if you link something and i want to buy it i always try to go back through your site and buy it there since i know that benefits you :)

Ladies in Navy said...

this is really cute! love the layering girl!
ladies in navy

Style-Delights said...

Love this sweater! I had considered buying it but it was short on me:-( I have been eyeing ur necklace too for some time!
BTW, I ordered the brown houndstooth jacket from F21 and I hope it looks half as good on me as it did on you in ur insta pics:-)
Hope you are having a wonderful day!
-Jyoti
Style-Delights Blog

Alyssa said...

I LOVE this bag–the structure is just amazing!

TheTinyHeart said...

I think the holidays can be a stressful time for everyone. It just seems like there's so much going on at once! Beyonce will definitely help you de-stress and relax, so fun that will be!

-Sharon
The Tiny Heart

gabrielle said...

love this southwestern look! perfect layering with the jean vest on top.

the holiday season is totally stressful, but it seems like you've got things under control!

xo,
gabby

Lindsay Erin said...

Cute sweater! I'm loving fringe lately!

Unknown said...

Thanks for keeping it real! I love the outfit as well!
-Karen
www.yourstylistkaren.com

SMD @ lifeaccordingtosteph said...

Deep breaths! You have a lot going on. What needs doing will get done, what doesn't didn't really need to be done.

Sorry your girl is on the cusp of not believing...I think that's always tougher on the parents than on the kids.

Whitney 'Nic' James said...

1 thing at a time & you'll get it all done. Beyonce is a definite bright spot! :-) Love your look and wishing you a great rest of the week...XO!

~Whitney
whitneynicjames.com

Kayla MKOY said...

BEYONCE?!!!??! UM jealous. You're going to have a blast and I can't wait to live vicariously through your Instagram feed Monday night ;)

I'm loving that fringe sweater! So pretty!

Because of Jackie said...

First, I'm dying over that fringe top, I need! Second, I agree with the stress of Christmas (gift buying, ugh!) and the joys (Xmas music, shows and treats!) It's such love/hate holiday for me, but having the kids makes it worth it. I think we have a couple of years left of Santa for my daughter, I can see how that is weird when they don't believe anymore, bittersweet, right?

Jessi said...

I love love LOVE the fringe!! I seriously need to get me some! Love the denim vest over it too. It's never the same after they discover Santa's not real :( At least that's how it was for me as a kid (I don't have any of my own yet)
Jessi
http://haircutandgeneralattitude.blogspot.com

Always Maylee said...

You did it again. Another amazing outfit. I love the fringe and denim vest, such a cute combo. Holidays always stress me out and I don't have half as many things to do as you. Maybe do the holiday cards while waiting for your car to be inspected... there I helped. :)

xo, Yi-chia
Always Maylee

Unknown said...

You know, I keep thinking that you can't outdo your outfits, but you do. Continue to surprise me my beautiful friend because I love this look!
xo

Niki {Glossy Blonde} said...

Beyonce-ful! Ha! That will be such a fun show!!! And wow you've got quite a bit on your plate! I hope you can squeeze some you time into there!

Savanna said...

Love the top. Very cute!

A Silver Snapshot said...

Yay for fringe & Elf on the Shelf. Haha you could still do it for tradition's sake??? Haven't linked up in so long. Excited to be back. Happy Wednesday!

♥Silver♥
A Silver Snapshot
asilversnapshot@hotmail.com

Jeans and a Teacup said...

You look like a rockstar! Love the knee high boots! I'm hoping the holidays become less stressful for you and that you can just enjoy everything! I'm sure your kids and family appreciate all the hard work you put into making this time of the year special!
~Jessica
Jeans and a Teacup

Head to Toe Chic said...

That's such a bummer about Logan. I think I was around her age when I stopped believing. Christmas is definitely insanely stressful but also a fun time.

I'm loving that gorgeous bag!!

xo,
Angela

Nina Piccini said...

My nephew is 2 and they live with my parents - we have an elf on the shelf and we're all so excited to have a kid who believes in santa in the house again! So, i can understand your heartbreak/disappointment!!
LOOOOVE this outfit and have a blast at Beyonce!!

xo, NIna
afterthe40barfinish

FitTravelerAJ said...

Let me tell you, I am 30 years old and I have NEVER stopped believing in Santa. It makes me sad when kids do, but hopefully she will keep her ideas to herself for a while. And how have I not heard of Chick-fil-a's peppermint chocolate chip shakes?!?!? MUST. TRY. NOW!

-AJ
FitTravelerAJ.com

Unknown said...

Love the layers! And your hair looks adorable curled and pulled back like that!
xo Andrea
Boho Bunnie

Anonymous said...

Although this outfir isn't really my style, I DO like the way you've put it together. It looks comfy! We have had "Santa" in the house for years. With my niece just being a little over a year and a half now, Santa is back!

Ashleigh Jean said...

Lovely look. I'm crazy about your bag, it's so cool! And your necklace is great too!

xo, Ashleigh @ Fashion in Flight

Penniless Socialite said...

You always get the best stuff at Forever21!
Tara
Penniless Socialite
$40 JAVOedge Giveaway!

Gipsyonline said...

awesome jackets for women ....loved the outfit..great post !!

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