• outdoors

    Daily Exercise: A Walk with a View

    I have been working on making sure I move everyday now that the boys are in school and I have extra time and no excuses to not exercise. I like to make sure to do a variety of activities from running and walking, doing a workout on my rebounder (trampoline) or doing a quick 5 to 10 minute workout on you tube. I often times do a combination of these. I am also incorporating some bike riding to some weeks. On this day, I decided a walk at a local trail would be fun as it was overcast and not overly hot and the views are always pretty. The walk…

  • budget,  fashion,  summer

    Inpired by Jodie and Rena: Summer Looks

    One of the ways that helps me be content with my closet is to create outfits that are inspired by others whether they are bloggers I read or a look I have come accross on Pinterest or Instagram. Today’s post is a short one with 2 such inspired looks. Inspired by Jodie Jodie from Jodie Touch of Style is my all time favorite blogger. She is amazingly creative, she is a lover of shopping her closet, small boutiques and second hand shopping and she is as sweet in person as on Instagram. I hope to plan a vacation in Arizona again when I can get a good deal for our…

  • budget,  fall,  fashion,  summer

    Shorts: Late Summer, Early Fall Outfit

    I can’t help but take blog pictures when I am in a new place and wearing a cute outfit! I met up with my friend Rachel from The Faux French Girl last month in Chattanooga in Coolidge Park where our boys had the time of their life in the fountain. Each time I visit Chattanooga, I remember how cute the downtown area is and how many outdoor things the children would enjoy. There are also so fun shops and restaurants: I think we will need to do an overnight visit next year (the rest of this year is going to be too busy!). The fountain is surrounded by large animal…

  • outdoors,  travel

    Impromptu Float Down the River

    This past weekend, my Goddaughter came for a visit. I have seen her grown from a cute little baby to now a beautiful young woman who will get married in 6 months! On Saturday, we decided to go float down the river. I usually am a planner but try to be more spontaneous and when my husband made the suggestion, we decided to give it ago despite threats of rain. It was an overcast day not too hot so it would make the float more pleasant. Since it was imprompu, we didn’t really think it through and had to go back to the house for our river sticks and paddles,…

  • budget,  fashion,  summer

    Summer Shop my Closet Outfit Recap

    Nothing like feeling a little broke to help you stick to your guns and shop your closet for a month or so. I will be truthful and let you know that I did use a money gift from my mom in law to pick up several things for my anniversary trip in July during my no shop month of June. She specifically gives me such a gift once and a while for the purpose of me buying myself something. She lives with us and I take care of her shopping. I was tempted to add to cart a couple of times on my dime (one $15 skirt at Walmart called…

  • ageless style link up,  budget,  fashion,  summer

    Fashion on a Budget with the Ageless Style Link Up

    There is nothing like realizing the day before a post is supposed to be published that you wrote and took pictures for a theme one month down the road. Thankfully, my boys always welcome the opportunity to take blog pictures and earn money and I was able to come up with an idea quickly! Fashion on a budget is my motto and while I probably spend more money than I should on clothes, I pride myself on shopping 2nd hand when I can and on making smart buying decisions. Lately I have enjoyed consigment stores more than thrift stores in my area as they are smaller and often small business…

  • budget,  outdoors,  travel

    Coolidge Park, Chattanooga

    When I met up my friend Rachel (My Faux French Girl) in Chattanooga at the end of July, I couldn’t believe I had never taken the time to go to Coolidge Park while visiting the city. We met up and park (for a very low $2) on the street and let the boys enjoy the fountains before eating a picnic lunch. My boys, ages 4, 8, and 11 had a ball! They didn’t want to come out of the fountains and asked to come back when possible. I am not sure we will find the time before the fountains close for fall but if nothing else we will come back…

  • budget,  fashion,  summer,  Ways to wear

    Styling Silky Cargo Pants 3 ways

    Anytime I add something to my closet, I hope for it to be versatile and be able to wear it several ways. It is always a little more difficult with certain items that might be considered more dressy or have a different texture such as silk, sequins or certain prints. So when I chose these silky cargo pants as part of my giveaway win from I’ll have what she is wearing, I knew I wanted to think about different ways to wear them (I couldn’t find the joggers on the website anymore so they are probably sold out but this can give you inspiration with your own joggers). I love…

  • budget,  fashion,  summer

    Athleisure Wear: Relaxed Fit

    I did not plan to blog about this outfit as I had all of my outfits planned for Monday posts for this month but I decided to go ahead and allow my 4 year old photographer an opportunity to earn some money to buy a lego mini figurine. I don’t often wear casual athleisure wear like this but it sure is nice for a change. This is my typical hiking look but I didn’t hike on this day only enjoyed a little time here before running errands. I have these old Zella joggers in black and finally found them in grey on Ebay this past year. I love the cargo…

  • outdoors,  travel

    Soak Up the Little Moments: Allatoona Lake

    A few weeks ago, I planned a short overnight trip south of us to visit Providence Canyon. After looking at the forecast the day before, I canceled the trip thinking it would be storming but it reality it would have been perfect. Instead of moaning and groaning about canceling our trip for no reason I decided to drive to the nearby lake and just enjoy a few moments there as it was a short drive. I’ve been wanting to bring the boys here to picnic at this spot before the entrance to Red Top Mountain. It is a mere 10 minute drive from home and very picturesque. There are rocks…