Goodbye and Hello to my new blog

Hello everyone! Well the time has finally come and my (new) blog is here. I kept my old name (garaytreasures) since that is who I am and what I have become known as. I am still going to post several times weekly on fashion, my family and faith as well as bring back my weekly “Bloggers Who Have Inspired Me” link up and host a monthly themed fashion link up with several other fashionistas beginning next Wednesday, April 15 (more details to come on my new blog).

To those who have read this blog or followed it, thank you so much for all of your support of this space in the big cyber world known as the internet. You have all been such an encouragement to me, and God has blessed me tremendously through this blog. However, now I am ready for the next BIG step and journey through my own blog domain. So without further adieu I hope you will check out my new blog www.garaytreasures.com and follow me via subscribing to my e-mail there along with follow along on social medias (if you aren’t already that is).

Thank you again and enjoy the new blog.

God Bless,
Rachel

Fashion Blogger Interview from My Arm Charms

Many of you might remember that I have had the pleasure of collaborating with My Arm Charms, a lovely and affordable online boutique specializing in arm candy of every style imaginable and for every woman. Well Leslie, the owner of this lovely shop recently pulled together her lovely fashion bloggers who agreed to the interview (Venus, Grace and I) for a fashion blogger interview. In case you aren’t following me here on Google + and missed it you can now. Here are some photos and links to the interview questions and answers. You can find these interview questions and collage images orginally from the Google + of My Arm Charms here. Thank you Leslie for interviewing and collaborating with me (us).

 

1).What is the most appealing aspect of fashion blogging to you? Read here for the answers.

 

2).What is one of  your most frequent challenges as a fashion blogger? Read the answers here.

 

3). With all there is to do and the challenges presented HOW do you get it all done? What is the method to your madness? Read here to find out the methods to our fashion blogging madness.

 

4). Did you create your style or did it find you? Read the answers here.

5).How would you describe your style? Read how we would here.

 

Speaking of My Arm Charms, the winner of the My Arm Charms”Rock Star” blue cuff leather bracelet was Sean C. congratulations! I hope you enjoy the cuff!

Thanks for dropping by and supporting my blog. Please leave a comment at the end with maybe an interview question you might have for me and I will do my best to answer it in the near future? I will give your blog a shout out in the near future if you do so. 

Linking up with Cassidy Lou, Carrie.

How to wear: Hats & Fascinators

Today I am happy to be collaborating with Patricia (or Tea) of whatmamawear.blogspot.ca to bring you a “How 2 Wear” hats and fascinators. I love how Tea styled her fascinator hat with her laced pink top bringing out the lovely features of her face and beaming smile through the bright vibrant colors. I love how her look can be worn to church, Easter parties, bridal or baby showers or to tea parties. Go to Tea’s page here to see how she styled her fascinator hat.

With spring weather upon us I have become quite the hat wearing lady as I somehow gravitate toward hats in the springtime. With Easter weekend coming up I know I will definitely be wearing my hats to egg hunts, church and to other events; however today I wanted to  show you how to style a hat to create a Boho vibe using an aztec patterm printed maxi skirt, black top, pendant necklace and cognac ankle boots.

 

 

 

To give the feel for a traveling bohemian I went with a patterned maxi skirt and cognac ankle booties.  I am sure this look would have been equally as fun with flared harem pants, flared pants or even skinny jeans but I went with what I wore that day to church instead and just added the ankle boots and hat for a more relaxed look.

 

 

 

Some of you may be wondering not only how to create a similar look but also where to even wear a hat or outfit like this to stand out and make a statement. Here are some fun options: music festivals, countryside walks, carnival, etc. The options for styling this hat for a boho feel are limitless and so are the places you can wear it too.

If you wear hats, how do you like to style your hats?

Want to see how else I have styled a hat for spring time:

I tell ya I can’t get enough of them. Thanks for reading today, outfit details below and who I am linking up with.

Outfit details: Hat: borrowed from sister//Shirt: Charlotte Russe (old)//Skirt: Rue 21 (old)//Boots: Dansko (gift)//Leggings: Kohls//Necklace: Redeemed Jewelry boutique.

Linking up with: Shanna, What I wore, Trendy Wednesday, Melissa, Lisa, Molly, J, Carrie. Cassidy Lou.

Inspired By Gods Promises

Happy Tuesday! Normally on Tuesdays I post my weekly link up “Bloggers Who Have Inspired Me.” Well because my blog is due to be switched later this week or weekend I held off on this link up until the switch was made to my own self hosted site. Today is a bit different as I wanted to highlight how God has inspired me through His word.

 

Recently I have been encouraged with reading some of my favorite fashion or mommy bloggers begin to do posts on their faith and I found it as a reminder of how this world or our blogs are not just about us but about Him (God) as well. I know I am guilty of getting caught up in social media, collaborating with tons of bloggers or a few boutiques and loosing sight of what blogging is about and originality, things learned, thoughts, etc. There are many blog topics I can’t wait to disclose as some things are dear or hurtful to me that I want to form and publish but don’t know quite how yet. I thought I would start with this one, and let you in on what I find neat about God’s promises and how I can apply it.

In my Bible reading time at night before bed, I am guilty of quickly reading God’s word and going to bed, with barely a prayer of thanks for the day or telling God how I really feel. Lately, though I have felt a tug to be authentic with God and just ask Him to show me things (mainly in His word and my attitude) and what he recently revealed was 2 Samuel chapter 7 where King David is  talking with Nathan the prophet and concerned about living in a cedar palace whereas the Ark of the covenant of God remained in a tent (not a palace or temple). To which God reveals some words to Nathan the prophet saying there was no need for something to be built for the ark, that the ark and God have moved with the Israelites without need of a “cedar house” all along. God then further reveals to David (through Nathan) that David was chosen to be ruler over Israel and that God would not allow enemies to harm him and that his offspring would be blessed and (check this) “…I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, who will come from your own body and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. He is the one who will build a house for my Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be his father and he will be my son…” [2 Samuel 7:12-14].

What God is saying here is that He has always been with David and the Israelites and that He would raise from Davids offspring Jesus Christ to establish a house and throne in God’s name and kingdom forever. What I find inspirational is that David was concerned for not having a “cedar house” for Gods Ark, yet God had MUCH BIGGER plans for the future kingdom. I love how God promises his presence to David, his sovereignty, his protection, blessings and His own son through Davids offspring.

Sometimes I think I am like David in that I am “too concerned” or “not concerned enough” on how God loves me or cares for me. That perhaps I should do “this” when God only requires “that” if I would just listen and remain in His promises for ME. I may never know what God has in store for me but I do know He promises to be with me, to bless me, not allow his enemies to strike me and use me to further His kingdom.

Thank you for reading my inspirational thoughts for today, if you have any thoughts just let me know in the comments below.

Rachel xo

Linking up today with: Motivational Monday, Tuesday Talk.

Plain Jane

 

Happy Monday! How was your weekend? Mine was pretty full, with one thing to the next happening, sick twins and hubby but with just a bit of shopping and loads of coffee in between.

 

Before my hubby caught the “cold” from our twins he caught these photos near a walking trail and stream by our house and in the process of setting up he made mention that I looked so “plain jane” as he added that I needed to have had a red necklace or headband to accent the shoes. He proceeded to ask where my beaded thrifted red necklace was that I wore earlier that day to which I responded “it broke” and I didn’t have much time to look at jewelry while shopping for pants and shirt and that stores didn’t carry the right “red” headbands. With much protest he gave up and just shot the pictures.  I told him I would name this post in honor of this thoughts and words to which he smirked and said “really.” So here I am looking “plain Jane” with no accessories save a bracelet; however showing off my new shoes.

 

 

Aren’t they cute little red tennie loafers? I actually had my eyes on these for a month at Marshall’s and my hubby actually like them when he first saw them too. So alas these shoes were on my mind for weeks until we finally went back to Marshall’s and there they were, still on display in all their red up glory.  It was meant to be. I would say it was a good investment as I followed the shopping rule of “if it remains on your mind after 24 hours (I think) then get them” well these were more like weeks and were maybe a little under $25.

 

 

Oh and about my hubby, I must give a big shout out to him as he has been talking and promoting my blog like crazy to his family members and co-workers. He even has a best friend/co-worker beginning a blog because of how awesome blogging is.  My hubby and his brother hope to follow suit. How cool is that?

Outfit details-Shoes: Nautica (Marshalls)//Pants: DKNY jeans (old)//Shirt: JC Penny (old)//Bracelet: part of a set (Charlotte Russe).

Enough of my ramblings. What are your ramblings? Leave me a comment below and let me know.

Rachel xo

Linking up with: Motivational Monday, Rhea, Molly, Lisa, Melissa, Thursday Fashion Files, Cherie, Charnelle, Lauren, Laura, Leanne, Carylee, Shanna, What I Wore Wednesday, Celebrate Southern, Turning Heads Tuesday, Trend Spin, Spotlight Weekly.
Rachel xo
Garay Treasures

Favorite spring staples

Since Monday of this week was the first day of spring I thought I would share with you some of my favorite spring staples that I recently purchased and can’t wait to style or have been styling (see how I styled my hat here, and chambray here, and pink rayne necklace here).

 

I wore this outfit this past Saturday downtown with the hubs and kids as we ventured the local Science Museum and local fresh markets. It was a bit chilly outside so the chambray was actually used for that purpose to keep me comfortable. Once inside the museum I had to take the chambray off and wear it around my waist. This simple piece of denim has just been my favorite added addition to my wardrobe and I just love how versatile it is for me as I can’t stop wearing it.

 

I am in love with these sandals with gold glittered straps that I scored at Target a few weeks back (and on clearance as the box was missing, silly). I had been wanting some good sturdy sandals but wasn’t finding any that I liked around at shoe stores so I was thrilled when I found these on the shoe aisle at Target. Surprisingly these are all the rage on Instagram and I didn’t even know it, #win.

 

My sun hat is just the cutest thing. I wore it in Wednesdays post, Thursdays post and well, today of course. I just can’t get enough of it. I promise I won’t wear it anymore though (at least not for awhile).  I am also in love with colorful statement jewelry this season so I had to add some extra pink hues to this outfit with this Kendra Scott inspired necklace. sdI am just so thrilled at how well this outfit came together as I wanted to style this sundress for the spring season once more. (See how I styled this dress on mothers day last year here).

Outfit details: Sun Hat: Wal-mart ($7.97)//Chambray: via TJ Maxx//Sundress: Old Navy (old)//Sandals: Mossimo via Target//Cami shirt: a.n.a (old)//Purse: Michael Kors//Necklace: Applee jewelry.

Thank you for reading today,

What are some of your spring favorites in your home or wardrobe? Or what are your favorite spring activities?

Today  I am thrilled to be a part of the Blogger Collective link up party with other bloggers whom are sharing their favorite spring things/wardrobe  I hope you will check them out in the links below:

Sarah of @backhomeblue.com

Angela of @headtotoechicblog.com

Charnele of @pinksole.com

Shannon of @upbeatsoles.com

Ashley of @lestylorouge.com

Nikki of @thefashionablewife.com

Katherine of @engineering-in-style.com

Lane of @missalaneyus.com

Ellie of @thenotquiteadult.com

Jordan of @petitemodernblog.com

Rachel of @ablondesmoment.com

Hillary of @styleinasmalltown.com

Mollie of @molliebellezza.com

Lindsay of @middleofsomewhereblog.com

Jill of @dousedinpink.blogspot.com

Just a few more days left to enter to win the “Rock Star” leather cuff bracelet, enter here. Open to US residents only.

Linking up with: Fashion Fun Friday, Thursday Fashion Files, Trendy Wednesday, What I wore Wednesday, Mix It Up Fridays, <a href=" Rachel xo Garay Treasures” target=”_blank”>Tara, Turning Heads Tuesday.

You better shape up

 

“You better shape up…’cause I need a man and my heart is set on you” Olivia Newton John (Grease)

 

I have had the above song lyrics from the film Grease stuck in my head all week so of course this is my inspiration to todays outfit worn last weekend on a movie date with my hubby. I was inspired by Sandi at the very end when she turned “bad girl” and sang this song to actor John Travolta.

My hubby and I enjoyed the movie Insurgent all the theater Cocoa-cola soda we could drink and finally these outfit shots. Now I feel partial to this look as I love it but feel vulnerable about the naked shoulders, but my hubby liked it that way. To be honest he loves as much cleavage or naked back/shoulders as can be exposed so sorry in advance if this post isn’t modest for you- the photographer won!

Check out these lovely heels I also won from The Mint Julep boutique thanks to a giftcard given away from Monica.

I managed to get my sister Annalise to french braid my hair in a hurry before my “date” with my hubby.

 

 

Outfit details:Shirt: gift//Bracelet: c/o My Arm Charms (exact here)//Pants: via TJ Maxx//Heels: Mint Julep Boutique (same here)//Tassel Necklace: Walmart// Hat: Walmart//Earrings: part of a set, Walmart.

Thank you for reading and coming by. Have you entered to win a leather cuff bracelet from My Arm Charms? If you live in the US you can enter here.

Linking up with: Trend Spin, Thursday Fashion Files, Lisa, Melissa, Molly, Trendy Wednesday, What I wore Wednesday, Dawn, Monica, Spotlight Weekly, Wednesday Pants.

Why I am making the switch

Happy Hump Day! I can’t believe the week is halfway over with already, where has time gone? I normally don’t post on Wednesdays or even Fridays for that matter, but there are just so many things to post about as my time with this little blog dwindles that I want to post as much as I can. If you missed it in yesterdays post (here) I will be making the switch from here to my own blog domain. There are many reasons why and so today I plan on highlighting a list of why I am making the switch.

I have read recently that many bloggers are switching from blogger to wordpress etc, or some bloggers choose to use this time of the year to redesign their spaces, I guess this is all a sort of “spring cleaning” for bloggers, a new change for a new year. For me, this is my year. After blogging for a year and some months I have really been contemplating having my own domain apart from the garaytreasures.wordpress.com until now. You see my follow readers, this blog that you are reading on now (the .wordpress.com) is a free wordpress hosted blog site not self hosted which means I am limited to what I can or have been doing and ENOUGH is ENOUGH. In real world terms I am suffering on this little space and NEED my own.

Some things I cannot do on this free WORDPRESS hosted blog:
-I am out of storage space allotted to me for images, so I have to go back to older posts I don’t care about and delete images or icons just to add some pictures to newer posts, like this one.

-You know when you enter giveaways on other blogs and you can normally see the widget or image for the entries. Not here! Giveaway rafflecopters with wordpress hosted can only be viewed by clicking on the link Rafflecopter link provided.  In the past when I collaborated with a company to giveaway a giftcard this was a concern for them and I nicely told them I had no control over it, but I appreciate their frustration as it frustrated me too.

– When I host my Bloggers Who Have Inspired Me link up on Tuesdays, readers have to click on the cute little frog in-linkz button to be directed to the link up page, the link ups don’t appear directly onto my page and this has been a issue with some bloggers I believe.

-People who may be searching for my blog on search terms may forget to add the .wordpress.com and just give up. I would like for them to have it easy with just remembering garaytreasures.com, granted they can remember to spell garaytreasures.

Let’s be honest some bloggers want to make a little money off their blog with affliate links and such and I can’t or not as easily and here is why:

-Affliate sites turn me down because they don’t want to pay out compensation to a blogger on FREE wordpress blogs.

– It is against free wordpress hosted blogs to have up advertisements or shops on my page, yet they make money off of my blog with surprise advertisements they choose to have up.  I am not allowed to earn money from blogging according to wordpress basically.

I am sure there are many more but these were all I could think of and pet peeves of mine so I hope you learned a little about my frustrations with being free.

Outfit details: Sun hat: Walmart//Tassel Necklace: Walmart//Dress: gift//Flip Flops:  Marshalls//Sunglasses: Target.

What do you like or not like about your blog? Do you have any tips for me as I venture on to my own domain? Please leave me a comment below and let me know. 

Have you entered to win a leather cuff bracelet from My Arm Charms yet? You can do so by clicking on the button below to enter
a Rafflecopter giveaway (Open to USA residents only).

Linking up with: Tuesday Talk, Liz, What I Wore Wednesday, Leanne, Thursday Fashion Files, Melissa, Lisa, Molly, Trend Spin, Because Shanna said So, Get Your Pretty On, Style Me Weekly.
Spotlight Weekly, Fashion Fun Friday.
 

 

 

Making the switch & Bloggers Who Have Inspired Me (featured 5 ladies).

Hello everyone and welcome back to “Bloggers Who Have Inspired Me.” Today I am sad to mention that there won’t be a link up attached to this post as this will be the last “Bloggers Who Have Inspired Me” with this blog (without the link up) but I had to include last weeks favorite five posts that were linked. This link up isn’t going anywhere however my blog is, that’s right hopefully after this week I will have my new domain and self-hosted blog. I already purchased the domain name, signed up with bluehost and await my designer to do the switch in the next few days, I am both excited and anxious about it,but I know this is God’s timing and the best thing for me. For those of you who have been following me forever, or even recently thank you so much for sticking with me and this blog, I can’t thank you enough for all your support, comments and encouragement but you will just have to come back tomorrow as I tell you why I am making the switch.
Now on to todays featured five ladies:

Kishina of @kishinaskurvykorner.blogspot.com linked up a lovely mix of print (stripes with leopard) for her St. Patricks Day outfit and I just love how she pulled it all together around the neon green pants too. You can check out her look further here.

Shauna of @lipglossandlace.com linked up probably the coolest, boldest and cutest outfit I have seen in awhile. Check out that bold t-shirt, pants and fenced barbed wire background. I think someone is trying to make a BOLD statement for sure. You can check out Shaunas bold look here.

Tina of @tickledpinkwoman.blogspot.com posted a lovely outfit with her blanket cape in honor of St. Pattys day, but I love how she suggests to style the bright green hued sweater, you can check out her suggestion here. Doesn’t she look lovely by the way!?!

Tiffany of @brightonabudget.com celebrated a 1 year blogiversary along with St. Patty’s day. I just adored here way of celebrating both with green balloons and outfit. You can wish her a Happy 1 year of blogging here! I am sure happy for her.

Elizabeth of @allkindsofthingsblog.com linked up a recipe I actually pinned and tried Friday night for dinner and I would say it was a hit with everyone but our 6 year old (maybe it was the carrots and onions) but otherwise it was so delicious. I just love simple crock pot recipes, so thanks for sharing Elizabeth. See the recipe here.

Thank you for coming back by here today, I am sorry I couldn’t view your posts for today but if you really want me to check out your favorite posts just leave them in the comments below and I will drop by.

Rachel xo

<div align="center"><a href="https://garaytreasures.wordpress.com" title="Garay Treasures" target="_blank"><img src="https://garaytreasures.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/bloggerswhohaveinspiredme.jpg" alt="Garay Treasures" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Have you entered to win this leather cuff bracelet yet? This giveaway is open until midnight March 30 and is open to participants with a US mailing address only. The more entries you complete the more points you will be able to receive. Please enter in the rafflecopter box below. Thank you and Goodluck!!!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Rachel xo
Garay Treasures

Chocolate stains and a HUGE spider

These white pants are my new favorite but let me tell you they are CURSED or at least they were the day I wore them and after washing them.

I have had on my wish list of items to shop for a pair of white pants or white leggings and chambray for quite some time and finally I scored them both in the same day at Marshalls and TJ Maxx. Well as a mom of four I was a little apprehensive to get white pants in the first place because anything can happen to white in a wardrobe.

I dreaded spaghetti sauce, coffee or dirt getting on these babies but NO I had to go and sit on a melted chocolate bar in the seat of our van either before or after going into Target one night alone. I pray it was after my target trip as there was a smear of chocolate about 5 inches long near my butt (how embarrassing).

It took several washings to wash the chocolate out of these pants too because at first I was out of bleach so I had to use Oxyclean stain remover, then that didn’t help, then regular cleaning bleach, nada so then I finally went to the store and got laundry Clorox bleach and used this on the pants and then….

In our basement we have had a HUGE wolf spider decide to live near the washer and dryer, it has even scared me to go near the washer and dryer as I hate spiders. Well before I went to take the pants out of the wash to look over them I looked all over the place to make sure the spider wasn’t around. Whew not there. But once I opened the door to the dryer…

He was sitting right on top of my white pants, ALIVE, alive I tell you. I gasped and looked around thinking on what to do but nothing came to mind so I gently picked up the damp pants and prayed he wouldn’t attack and seeing that the monster wasn’t moving towards me or my fingers I took something and swatted at it and I haven’t seen it since, and the chocolate stain was gone.

How is that for pants that went through ALOT after being worn the first time…or wait is it me that went through ALOT? Either way I am in love with them and can’t wait to style them throughout the spring and summer.

For this outfit I choose to go “rock star” with my jewelry. Check out the nail pointed necklace and earrings, along with the “Rock Star” cuff bracelet from My Arm Charms. I just loved incorporating this punk/rock star look with elegant clothing.

If you haven’t read here (where I also styled this same cuff) I am giving away this “Rock Star” bracelet to anyone living in the US. You can enter up to 24 entries to win this bracelet here.

How would you style this bracelet?
Outfit details: Bracelet: c/0 My Arm Charms “Rock Star”//Earrings & Necklace set: gift//Pants: via Marshalls//Chambray top: TJMaxx//Shoes: via Plato’s Closet//Purse: Michael Kors (wedding gift).

Linking up with: Mix It Mondays, Tuesday Talk, Thursday Fashion Files, What I wore Wednesday, Liz, Leanne, Whitney, Lisa, Melissa, Megan, Molly, Carylee, Cherie. Motivational Monday, Charnelle,Rhea Celebrate Southern, Trend Spin, Confident Tuesday Because Shanna Said So. Get Your Pretty On, Style Me Weekly.
Style Me Weekly.

Rachel xo
Garay Treasures