party time tuesday

If you're reading this it means I'm officially done with the 2012 school year! I actually got 100 on my final. Praying before tests works my friends...and studying too. Anyways, that means my "desk" is only filled with letters that need a reply, books that fan the flame of my soul & creativity waiting to be unleashed through my upcoming photography jobs. Precisely how I plan to spend my summer.

I can't contain my joy!!!!!

I'm free. 

Weekly Wear: Springtime!

Spring is finally here!! I'm so excited. I apologize for being absent, I have been busy and taking on some new challenges. I can't wait to finally share the good news with you. This might just be the year my work gets published! This could be about my photography, my writing or my art. That's all I can say for now.

I'd like to say thank you to L for getting me this lovely dress for my birthday. You're too sweet! I like you & I can't wait to see you again soon. p.s. thanks for watching Amélie with me.

These lovely pearl dangling earrings are from fildee, made by the lovely Kim from Amusing. I love how darling & chic yet minimalistic they are! I had a similar necklace gifted by Brisni that seemed to be the perfect match. I really love wearing this to compliment my floral outfits, like this one. Perfect for spring! And because you should treat yourself to something sweet, Kim is giving you 20% off with the code SHESMILES!

Also, don't forget to visit Radiant Cosmetics, I'm wearing their Matte Lipstick in 'Flamenco'. They're fighting human-trafficking, one lipstick at a time.
20% of profits go to Free The Captives, an interdenominational, evangelical anti-human trafficking 501(c)(3) non-profit.

Weekly Wear: Do what you love

shirt: thrifted | high waist denim: Ouna's Closet | shoes: payless

"Do what you love, love what you do" is the best phrase to describe my job. I'm working with talented people who are (in my opinion) the best in their own department and that is definitely pushing me to excellence. I can only give glory to God for this opportunity.

In light of this, I'm writing about photography on my photo blog. If you're interested in becoming a photographer or you already are one and want to get better, feel free to join in. I'm really excited to have an outlet for creativity that we can all be a part of.

Happy New year 2012

weekly wearing: shirt was thirfted | pants by Ruedo | shoes were thrifted | earrings by Afrolunatika Designs | Sunglasses by XXI | ankle bracelet by UO |Film Camera by Canon

Last outfit post of the year!
I wanted to thank you all for being in this journey with me, for allowing me to speak to your hearts. For so long I thought I didn't have a voice and it turns out that I do. A voice that speaks of and for God! Never in a million years did I think 400+ people would be interested in hearing the echoes of my heart.
I desire the best of God for you this new year.
May He shine His face upon you and draw you close to His beating heart;
May you walk where He leads, may you speak what He says.

May you believe Him for the impossible.

I'll be back next year with more good stuff! Stay safe.

Shalom

Weekly Wear: December chaos

{about this weekly wear: me after working as a photographer at an event.}

December has been really jam packed for me! Life has kinda been nonstop. Chaotic, really.  I actually just finished school today. I'm sort of relieved, however I have a few projects going on that really need my attention and dedication.

Here's a few instagrams of my life lately:
Instagram friends? add me: aprettylady

first international shipment!

12 of my favorite things in honor of our 12 months together, Thank you L

Christmas tree is up! And I made my favorite holiday treat

What to look forward to:
- Pt. 2 of the Intimacy post
- Guest post from the guy 
- New Layout 
- Loveknots Giveaway at Amusing & Blair Affairs (Teatime thoughts will be hosting one soon!)
- Christmas Giveaway
- DIYs + Tutorials (I haven't done some in a few!)
- Posts about the book of Job
- More picture-worthy things!
- Penpal exchange

Weekly Wearing: plaid & bardot bangs

Is it me or Mondays always need an extra push to inspire us to make it through the week? My Monday started with a little shake from the earth (had a 5.2 earthquake this morning), followed by some much needed quiet time with the Lord. His words breathed life to my soul. If I'm honest, last week I got so caught up in busyness that I did not purposely make time for God. I was miserable. This is why I wasn't really posting anything here. Busyness is never an excuse, but unfortunately I fell short.

I got some hair bangs inspired by Miss Bardot (random side note)

However, this week is new and praise God for His mercy. This week I have good things coming your way! Starting with my 'weekly wearing'! Mondays kinda make me feel like a bum, so I thought it would be fun to show you some of my outfits. This will definitely push me to be more creative on my Mondays. Yay for a healthy 'pick me up'.

The Lord is showing me a lot. For one thing, my 2011 ends with the book of Job (which I started today) and I got sooooo much out of the first chapter alone. Trust + faith (can't have one without the other) are the themes of my life since 2009. He is working on me and for that, I am most grateful.

How was your Thanksgiving weekend?

Their Footprints, My Wardrobe.

Slavery Footprints
^click ^

How precious are the feet of those that free, not enslave

I found out I currently have 31 slaves working for me. Most of my slaves come from the very nations God has placed in my heart. What affects the most in my total of slaves is my closet. I'm not so obsessed with clothes, but I have collected a lot of it through the years. I really don't buy a lot of things, but when it comes to clothes, I always look for a skirt or a new dress (even when I already have  a lot of dresses). How can I preach freedom when I myself am enslaving? Can I live with the fact that I have stylish clothes (in my opinion anyways!) because of someone's oppression? Can I keep buying at these store where the CEOs are getting richer with my purchase but the people who actually manufacture it are not paid justly?
I know the Lord would not let me ignore the issue. I have taken a new approach when it comes to my wardrobe:

1. Not buying in places where clothes are made in sweatshops. Yesterday's outfit was bought in a store that make a limited number of items (they're sweatshop-free) making each piece handmade & one of a kind. The con of buying at stores like this is that they're not as cheap as sweatshop-related mega-stores (think forver 21, etc).

2. You don't need more clothes. Inspired by this lady and these 3 ladies, I have decided that I don't really need more clothes. So, in order to not support this type of modern slavery AND not hurt my wallet at the same time, I've decided to not shop anymore. I could put away that money into serving the persecuted church, sponsoring a child or saving for a mission's trip. Something I need to work on a lot is changing my mentality of "receiving" into one of "giving". I know I can give without getting, that's the biblical way {Matthew 6:3}! (which is why I don't support TWLOHA or Tom's shoes, no offense to those that do. That's my personal conviction). 

Supporting (life-changing) Stories: On Thursday, a group of kids came to my house selling chocolates. I don't really like chocolates, but I felt the Lord tell me to give them the money for a chocolate [without getting the chocolate] as a donation. The kids were so shocked, they were insisting on giving me the chocolate anyway! I told them the first half of the Scripture for my mindset and, as it turns out, they were Christians and one of them ended up finishing the second half of the verse! Isn't life better when God is not only a part of it, but the center of it?

On Friday, I saw this girl on the train wearing a cute outfit, so I commented on it. Then we began to talk about wardrobe and how she sold most of her clothes. With the money she saved (and eventually saved from not buying more) she took herself to New York and had a grand time. She hopes  to go to another place next year! She also gave me some other neat tips . It was an inspiring conversation at best. It's good to know style doesn't have to be frumpy and ugly even when you're trying not to support these big stores. She was example of a "you can look great, be great and travel with greatness".

This is a burden in my heart. I know it's overwhelming to try to go against the current, especially when there is so few of us. But I'm determined. My guy says that it only takes one person to change the world, just like it only took one Jesus to change mine. Could you reflect on this? You don't have to agree with my approach, just agree with me in the sense that there is an issue. What would your approach be?