Life Lately: The Bible, Being Proud, and Family!

When all else fails, and you don't have any content for your blog...what do you do? Throw together a post filling in your readers on what is happening in your life. Because, well who doesn't love posts like this? I know I do. I feel like posts like these are like being able to peek into someone's window at their house. Creepy? Maybe.

So let's just dive right in...

The Bible.

Ryan and I started reading the Bible every night before we go to bed. A pastor at our church challenged everyone to find a chair and set aside ten minutes every day, and just read, learn, and connect with Jesus. We started, and have continued to read every night. Some nights we just read, but we have also read Bible plans together, which have been great. One in particular that stuck with us was Craig and Amy Groeschel's From this Day Forward. I loved their Bible plan so much I can't wait to read their book.

What I loved about it, or rather what resonated with me a lot was how modern culture tells us that we need to look for "the one," and how that is an unreasonable expectation to put on someone. Would you want the pressure of being someone's "the one?" No? Then why force someone else? Let God be the One.

Also, and this was my biggest take away: fight fair. Healthy couples fight for resolution and not for victory. Isn't that the truth? So simple, but can be something that can put a strain on any relationship. Ryan and I are fortunate in that we don't argue often, but when we do, I often find myself reaching for that trophy at the end of the argument rather than just a simple resolution to the conflict. Changing your mindset to shift from victory to resolution can be life changing.

Those of you that read the Bible, any good Bible plans you've read?

The Loft

I had a style party at my store Thursday night so I didn't have my phone on me for a bit. At one point in the night I decided to check my social media. Much to my surprise, I opened my instagram and had a boatload of new followers. I get maybe a couple or so new followers a day. Like really-that's it haha! So needless to say when I saw how many new followers I had I was baffled! It took me a bit to figure out where it was coming from, but when I saw it was because Loft had shared a photo of mine I was thrilled. Couldn't believe it, was honored, humbled, ecstatic, all of the above! 

I see on a daily basis other bloggers who are massive get ripped to shreds by online trolls and just downright nasty people, so I was a little terrified to read the comments. I started to read them with one eye closed, but was relieved. Everyone's comments were so supportive, and so wonderful. I literally cried reading them. Beyond thankful that there were so many people embracing me! And yes, I am 100% tooting my own horn. Because sometimes you just need to toot your own horn. 

FAMILY

So if this blog post turns into me bragging, I apologize. If you follow me on snapchat (mommyinheels) you are aware that my cousin (who also happens to be my best friend in the whole entire world) Betsy is the lead in the National Tour of Mamma Mia! If you are familiar with that show, she plays Donna, the mother (played by Meryl Streep in the movie). Betsy landing this role is an amazing example of not giving up and continuing to pursue your dream. 

Who knew when we were singing out hearts out in our high school musicals that she would be touring the country, leading a cast in one of the longest running musicals?!?! 

What made me so happy and proud was chatting with her when I was in NYC a few weeks ago. I remember her frustrations when she was a recent college grad trying to make it on Broadway. As frustrated as she was when she wasn't getting cast fresh out of college she said she is almost glad she was able to grow, mature, and experience life before landing this big role. I couldn't agree more! After all, she was able to meet her husband during that time frame, grow, and learn as a performer. I truly believe she couldn't be more ready to take on the country and perform her heart out. 

I have already cried multiple times while listening to the soundtrack because I am just so darn proud of her. I can only imagine what a proud mess I will be when we see her. The girls have been requesting the soundtrack non stop-I know they are just as excited to see her as I am! My family and I will be heading to see her in Baltimore, I will be heading to Philly with my girlfriends, and then Ryan and I will be seeing her in Charleston. She will be there around our anniversary so we thought why not make a trip out of it?!?!

Opening night was this past week for her. She spend a half hour after the show signing autographs and taking pictures with fans waiting for her. What got me choked up was when she said she made sure everyone who wanted an autograph/picture got one, because she remembers how important it was to us when we were little. (We used to see shows a lot growing up and those in the show were like celebs to us) I told her that is what makes her such a great person! 

Here are some great press pics of Betsy (she is in the middle). How amazing?!?!

You can follow her national tour adventure on snapchat (betsypadamonsky) or on instagram (betsypadamonsky). If you make it to any of her shows and hang out by the stage door to see her, tell her I sent you! 

ROCCO

I mentioned in my post on Friday how we lost our dog Rocco last week. I'd like to say the days have been getting easier, but they haven't. I never thought it would be this hard! Even with the girls, the house is so much more quiet. A lot of people shared with us the story and poem of the Rainbow Bridge, which makes me cry even thinking about it! But, we are just trying our best to remember Rocco, and how wonderful he was to us! We still haven't gotten rid of his bed. It's still in our living room. We just can't bring ourselves to get rid of it. We also haven't vacuumed yet. I know to some that may be like "whaaaaaattttt?!?!" But to us, something simple like vacuuming and getting rid of his dog hair is making it more real that he is gone. I don't know...just something small, but kind of hard! 

Family....again!

Because I can't end this post on a sad note....Ryan and I got to sneak away the other weekend for a couple of days which was much needed. Isn't he just the cutest? We literally did nothing the whole time we were gone, and it was perfect. We did decide to get ourselves dolled up for dinner one night...I am lucky I get to have this guy sit across from me every meal!

And my girls. My girls! We had a girls day last weekend while Ryan was at the Raven's game. We had such a great day! Typical sisterly fighting and moments of needing to chill out, but nothing beats these memories being made! Also, leave it to Charlotte to do her own thing in our picture!

See you back here Wednesday-I have a fun project I've been working on-it's such a great way to save money on shopping...who wouldn't love that?!?!

Cozy Sweaters + Statement Necklaces + Puffy Eyes

Lately I seem to prefer dainty layering necklaces as opposed to big, chunky, statement making necklaces. There was a time (when I first starting blogging years ago) that I had a pretty vast selection of these massive, weigh your neck down necklaces.

Like most things, my tastes started to change and I hung up those statement necklaces. That is, until this necklace caught my eye. Something about it screamed "BUY ME, BUY ME!!!" Oh, alright if you insist!

What I love about it is it's neutral color. Most of my statement necklaces in the past were bright and bold- this one, although a statement, is more neutral and I feel just sort of....blends. It can also be worn two ways-the tassels come off! You're essentially getting two necklaces in one-can't beat that, can you?!

While this necklace would look great with a dress, or a dressier outfit, I loved the idea of pairing it with an outfit that has a more casual feel. This sweater from Elizabeth & West has the perfect, cozy, fall feeling to it and just complimented the necklace!

Looks great dressed down, doesn't it? I find a lot of women that would be turned off by a piece like this because they feel like they need to be super dressed up to sport it. Not the case- it can take an outfit, especially super casual ones-up a notch or two!

On a more personal note, I know I typically wear sunglasses in all of my pictures, but there was no option of NOT wearing these big sunglasses in these pictures. If you follow me on snapchat (mommyinheels), you saw that we lost our beloved dog, Rocco earlier this week.

I did not grow up with pets, so I never understood how hard it is to lose a pet-which I must say, Rocco was more than a pet. He was a part of our family for 11 years. My husband and I got him just a mere 5 months after we got married. He grew up along with us. He left a huge hole in my heart-one that I know can never be filled again.

Needless to say, my eyes were (and still are a little) insanely puffy from all of the tears. Ohhhh the tears. I don't know how people do this more than once- how do people do this over and over and over again?

Since Tuesday, its been nothing but floppy hats and sunglasses. Thank goodness I can pull this look off!

Outfit Details:

Sweater: Elizabeth & West /// Tee: Target /// Jeans: Target /// Shoes: Target /// Hat: Target /// Shoes: Target /// Necklace: Stella & Dot /// Bag: Target (similar)

Shop other cute cardigans and my Stella & Dot faves:

Our sweet Rocco...I could go on and on about how wonderful he was, but I will just leave this. Because, well...he is just the cutest, and I miss him so.

Robyn Rhodes Fall/Winter Collection+ a Discount Code!

I had the pleasure of helping Robyn with her photo shoot for her jewelry when I was visiting her in LA in March- it was so much fun and turned out so well! While there she asked if I would continue helping with future photo shoots-uuuhhhhh absolutely! The fact that she trusted me with something so important to her was both humbling and such an honor! 

Not long after the March photo shoot we started coordinating for the photo shoot for her fall/winter collection for July. I had SO much fun planning, collaborating, shopping and styling outfits. Considering we each live on either side of the country there were a lot of phone calls and text messages exchanged as I was picking pieces to bring out west with me. I was thrilled to be able to include pieces from my boutique, Elizabeth & West Fashion House as well as pieces from two other local boutiques, Arthur & Daughters and Revolt Style Studio. There was a distinct style to the photo shoot-very old Hollywood glamour, so finding pieces was a fun challenge!

I flew out in July for the shoot- we took a few days to get everything ready and then spent a whole day shooting-it was a loooong but amazing day! I am beyond thrilled with how everything turned out. Robyn assembled a pretty stellar team for the day! She knows how to pick them!

Her collection is crafted by hand with druzies, quartz and Swarovski Crystals. What makes this collection even more special is you can personalize your piece by choosing your crystal's color, as well as whether you prefer silver or gold! 

Here's a few of my favorite pictures and pieces from the collection (really though I love them all). Lucky for you, Robyn is giving Mommy in Heels reader an exclusive discount on her new Fall/Winter Collection! Use the code Mommyinheels20 for 20% off of your order! (applies to Fall/Winter only)

Joy Neck Cuff

Wyatt Necklace

Cohen Necklace

McKinley Necklace

These both make really great layering pieces!!

Aubrey Earrings

Dakota Necklace

Amazing, aren't they? And these are just a select few of the finished product. You can see the rest of the collection and shop your favorite pieces here. There is such a great selection from simple but statement-making studs, to insanely chic neck cuffs!

Here are some behind the scenes pictures from the fun filled day-team work makes the dream work!

This was Robyn's living room the days leading up to the shoot- pairing the jewelry with the clothing was a process!

Addie working her hair magic on Stazz while she sports the Mia Necklace and a dress from Revolt Style Studio

Myself, Robyn, and Mariana-the talent behind the lens! 

You can see a behind the scenes video of all the photo shoot action here. Don't forget to use the code Mommyinheels20 at checkout for 20% off of your order from the Fall/Winter collection....happy shopping! 

Jewelry: Robyn Rhodes Jewelry
Photography: Mariana Barreto
Videography: Joy Newell
Hair: Addie Markowitz
Makeup: Rory Gaudio
Stylist: Rebecca Nori Wattenschaidt
Models: Anastazia Dalesandro, Tiffany Toto

Fall Stripes

There is something to be said about the perfect fall sweater. They are especially perfect on the days where you can sport it without a jacket!

I love this Loft sweater because it is fairly lightweight. I wish it were at tad longer, but nothing that a layering tank couldn't fix. When it gets a little chillier outside, it would look great with a button up chambray or a cute plaid shirt underneath.

I wore this yesterday for our usual Sunday outings- church, donuts, grocery shopping! Also add to that movie cuddles on the couch (I introduced Ella to one of my favorite childhood movies-Little Women) and even a quick cat nap!

While I loved pairing this with these ankle booties (which are SO comfortable), I also plan on dressing it down a bit with a pair of sneakers-I think it would look cute with my tassel sneakers or even a pair of Converse!

Outfit Details:

Sweater: Loft /// Jeans: Target /// Booties: DV (love these too) /// Bag: Target (similar) /// Sunglasses: Karen Walker /// Leather Cuff: c/o Nickel & Suede

Mommy in Sneakers

I was chatting with someone recently about how I very rarely wear heels anymore, and that I should change the name of my blog because of that. But, they pointed out that it actually does fit, and makes it kind of funny that my blog is called "Mommy in Heels" when I in fact don't wear heels.

It's funny, because I used to teach in heels-like 3-4 inch heels every day. How crazy was I? Now if I wear heels I have to make sure there is somewhere to sit, or it is to an event where I know I won't be standing for long periods of time-how old/lame does that make me sound?!!? HA!

Because heels don't fit into my life as much as they used to, I am more than likely always searching for a cute pair of sneakers. I seem to wear those more frequently than anything else.

What I love about sneakers is how versatile they are becoming. Gone are the days of just wearing sneakers to work out- now there are so many different styles, which makes them easy to incorporate into any outfit. From a cute, casual dress, to jeans and a tee, they look great!

I had my eye on these shoes since I was in NYC a few weeks ago. I saw them in Anthro, and didn't get them-but they were still on my mind!

When I got home I looked on their website and they weren't there, so needless to say I was bummed. Fast forward a few days later and I was still thinking about them, so I took a chance and googled "tassel slip on sneakers" and I FOUND THEM, you guys. Amazing what Google can do for you!

Needless to say, the price was a little steep for me-I don't typically spend that much on a pair of shoes, but I had been thinking about them non stop, they were neutral enough that I could wear them with a lot, and I had just earned some money from blogging so I figured why not?

Outfit Details:

Jacket: Target /// Top: Old Navy /// Shoes: JSlides via Nordstrom /// Bag: Target (similar) /// Sunglasses: Karen Walker /// Earrings: c/o Nickel & Suede /// Jeans: Target /// Necklace: Target /// Warp Bracelet: c/o Nickel & Suede /// Bracelet: Stella & Dot /// Ring: c/o Robyn Rhodes