Show me Mommy




A few days ago I was outside with Xander (my 2 year old) and on my iphone reading and commenting on a blogger who just had a baby, and while congratulating her I looked over at my own baby who sat in the grass twittling with some grass and acorns. In that moment it was like God was telling me “Show me mommy, tell me about what I see mommy.” I put down the phone and went over to my little boy and talked with him about the grass and rocks and acorns but by this point he was disinterested, so I walked behind him and commented on the things he was seeing.

Then last night as the others went to bed I began getting frustrated with Xander as in my mind I thought he should be in bed (and I was hungry), I was stern with him, raising my arrrrgggh voice and finally put a dvd on for him so I could eat and reflect on my attitude for a moment. While I was frustrated with him he was trying to talk to me, but his speech is unclear sometimes. I turned the dvd off after I had a chance to eat and finally sat down with him on my lap and he and I shared some cereal, giggled and I repeated what he was talking about or tried to make sense of his words and phrases. When he finally went to bed I did my chores and went to bed myself, and somehow I just felt emotional and awful. A few tears followed and prayer (much needed).
I have been so hard on myself this week. I have taken the view of feeling like a bad mom, and friend. Some of the things I have messed up on as a parent have been eating away at my soul instead of giving these cares to God. So wow! God not only reminded me to “show me and tell me” with my son but he does the same or requires the same of me. I need to put away the iphone, my cares and just talk with him as he does me if I would only listen and make time for him.

God gives me grace if only I would allow myself grace. God forgives if I can only forgive myself. God does not worry if I would stop worrying. My point is mommies out there, take the time and just bask in the truths and presence of God. His word and life is an example we should follow to the best of our abilities. We may mess up or frustrate him, but isn’t it awesome that he still would follow with us, hold us in His mighty arms. He is good!

Join me back here on Thursday for a post on Intentional Parenting for the Intentional Parenting link up that I am co-hosting and for a fun giveaway you won’t want to miss.

Rachel xo
Linking up with and guest co-host with Keri of livinginthisseason.com

<div align="center"><a href="http://livinginthisseason.com" title="Living In This Season"><img src="http://livinginthisseason.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Intentional-Parenting-Link-Button.jpg" alt="Living In This Season" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Now it is your turn to link up!!

New Blogging Organization




Happy Monday dear readers! How are you? How was your weekend? Today I want to share with you something I had in my mind all last week but didn’t get started on till Friday night and that is trying to stay organized with my time online, especially with the blog.

Do you ever start to do a million things at once and then feel that nothing got accomplished? Or is it just me? I tend to be like that with blogging sometimes, where I intend to work on a post but end up entering giveaways, or should be answering comments or e-mails but instead am stuck in the endless feed called bloglovin (I downloaded the bloglovin.com app and can’t get away from it at times).

To help with this I gathered a stack of journal like notebooks that my blogging buddy Whitney sent me (from a giveaway none-the-less, HA) and choose the right one.

I choose the top one because it resembled colorful candy corn to me and it’s fall and you know that is a popular candy in the fall, plus I liked the pattern.

Inside I wrote out my days and what I needed to accomplish on those days. I figured that Mondays , Tuesdays and Fridays were my write out post days and comment on other blogs, etc. On Tuesdays I tend to link up to a lot of blog link ups so this and throughout the rest of the week (as needed) are my designated link up days.

After I noted all of the above I then wrote down a few *STARED remember notes.

1).For example, this coming Thursday I am co-hosting an Intentional Parenting link up party with Keri Snyder of livinginthisseason.com that you won’t want to miss and should link up too. There will also be a lovely giveaway involved between Keri and I as well that you may want to check out.

2).I also noted that my own personal link up “Blogger’s Who Have Inspired Me” link up will be ending shortly and that I should promote it a little more before it ends. (I will feature 4 or 5 posts that I liked from this link up so to link up you can go here). Who knows I may feature your linked post! Thank you to the 23 ladies who have linked up so far- I tell you that is great for the first one! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

3).Then lastly I am considering doing a giveaway for when I reach 500 followers on instagram as I will be there soon. (*If you are running a business or etsy shop and would like to contribute an item to this giveaway I would be happy to promote your business through social media and through add space on my blog by your own button design or I can promote your blog through your own button, just shoot me a comment or e-mail).

How do you stay organized with blogging?

Also I know this doesn’t have anything to do with blogging organization but it does pertain to the blog in a big way and that is What camera do you recommend or use for taking pictures for the use on your blog? I believe my hubby would like to get me a new camera for Christmas and any input would be helpful like where you bought yours? How much? I would love to hear your thoughts.

When Your Cup of Coffee is Cold or Empty …..




If you are like me then you can probably relate to the title of this post (most days or all).  I tend to let the coffee (or tea) in my cup go cold before I can enjoy it because I stay busy with 3 kids during the morning and then 4 when Nevaeh gets home from school and even then if I make a second pot it still goes cold before I can have it. There are times my cup is empty and I want more, more and more.

Now this post is not necessarily about coffee and how many cups I could drink a day but more on handling my life daily. For me it is a struggle to feel like what I am doing is purposeful (being at home and parenting). Some days I feel like I am cold and just impatient, un-intentional, empty. I allow thoughts of needing more, wanting to know my purpose, wanting to know why things happened the way they did when I lost my teaching job (a lot of the root of my insecurities). wanting to know if I am parenting or disciplining correctly, the list goes on.

Lately I have been asking myself, What is my purpose?

Every night before I go to bed I sit with my Bible and read a few chapters throughout the Bible, no order just reading and hoping to catch something I missed years before or in church. Last night I was reading Psalm 138 over and over, probably 3 times til I realized at the end in verse 8- “The Lord will fulfill his purpose, for me; your love, O Lord, endures forever-do not abandon the works of your hands.” (NIV) It hit me that God promises it in His word that HE will fulfill his purpose for ME. I may not know what that is yet, but I need to have the faith daily to know that He will FULFILL HIS purpose for ME. I don’t need to be insecure, cold, empty. God loves me forever and always has, He knows what I am going through or will and His plans are good and lovely. It is comforting to know that He is already working out my purpose, daily.

So what about you? Is your cup warm, cold or empty today?

Take comfort that God loves you and will fulfill his purpose for YOU!

Rachel xo

 

 

FabEllis Outfit and weekend




This past weekend was wonderful and eventful. My little family went on a bike ride on Saturday followed by a date night of shopping for some computers. My hubby and I each bought a touch screen HP laptop (and for super cheap since they were floor models), a printer and a new laptop case for my new lovely device.  Then we proceeded with some Christmas shopping for our kids (well we found a few things) but it was just nice to spend time with my hubby and get some shopping done. After years of feeling (well and being) low on extra money and using a broken slow computer it was about time we spent some of his grant money on some new technological devices to help him through school and me-blogging! Ahhh it is just nice to have this new computer, and INTERNET finally!!!!!!!!! (Internet was installed today).

Anyways, I wanted to share with you the outfit I wore while shopping with the hubby.

 

This tee is from a giveaway I recently one by Ashley of Fabellis.com and I think it is darling. Thanks Ashley!

The earrings you see below are Kendra Scotts also recently received from a giveaway I won from Alecia of Aleciamariana.com

Aren’t these just lovely! My hubby wants to get me the matching necklace for Christmas 🙂 now doesn’t that just make any girl go gah-gah!

The scarf was also from my blogging friend Becky who just wanted to show some love and sent this to me last winter. Thanks Becky!!!!! It’s FabEllis with this outfit!

When do you start your Christmas shopping? How was your weekend? Any Christmas wishlist items yet?

*I made a Blog Facebook page that you can check out and “Like” if you want here

*Thank you to the 15+ bloggers who linked up to my first link up in yesterdays post (here). I am honored that you linked up and support my blog, you are AMAZING! There is still 9 days to link up so you can do so by clicking the link here. You may be one of the 4 or 5 I will feature on my blog when the link up is over so link up a post if you haven’t done so yet to see if yours inspired me and will be featured.
Speaking of Link ups check out who I am following:
Whitney with Personal Style Monday.

Bloggers Who Have Inspired Me #7 and NEW Link-up




Hello everyone and welcome to another addition to the series of “Blggers Who Have Inspired Me” see the others here here, here, here and here and here.  This is a series where I pick a selected group of posts from different bloggers (sometimes multiple times from the same bloggers) and feature the bloggers and their posts on here so that 1). they get featured for their talent, creativity, inspiration, etc  2). So that you get to meet new bloggers and hopefully be inspired yourself.

Today this addition will continue as the others but with a new added feature- a link up. What I want to do is allow you to link up a recent post of yours to the link up and once the link up is finished I will select 2-4 posts that were linked to be featured for the next part in the series. If you have already been featured in this series before, link up as well as you might be featured again. I only ask that you follow the rules at the bottom of this post under the button. Now on to the bloggers that are featured today.

Fashion:

Many people don’t know this but I have an appreciation for vintage and retro pieces whether in fashion, décor or collectibles.   I also liked working with eShakti.com (a clothing company) in the past so when I saw that my blogging friend Amber of Fashionflossandlipgloss.com had eShakti and retro combined into one I was in awe.

I just adore the length of this midi retro looking skirt on Amber and if you visit the original post here and look at the photos I am sure it would make you want to stroll with her down memory lane (if you remember the retro days that is). Either way I know I was inspired to look for a cute midi skirt or skater skirt and tag along with her. Aside from the retro looking skirt I like the modern day touches she added to it from the baubled pearl layered necklace to the soles of a fine heeled. Amber has much more in store for fashion and a secret opportunity opening up soon so be sure to check out her blog and follow her t find out what that is I am beyond excited for her already.

Pregnancy Fashion:

How to hide a Baby Bump, well Ashley of thecreamtomycoffee.com post intrigued me by the title. You know those moments when you have no idea someone is pregnant til bam they are nearing their second or even third trimester well that my friends is Ashley. She concealed her pregnancy for a LONGG time and  I kid you not I just sort of happened upon her Instagram one day and surprise! In her post here she gives you tips on how to hide your pregnancy, if you are indeed trying to keep your current or future pregnancy a secret for longer. Ashley inspired me because we had to hide our son Alexanders’ pregnancy until 25 weeks along (long story, e-mail me if you want an explanation). Ashley’s post definitely gave me some future ide as well as remind me of what I went through to hide.

DIY:

If you are a fashion or trend appreciator or blogger then you know that lately graphic tees an especially ‘Wife” tees have become the”trendy” item, yet they can be pricey. I recently saw Carrie of Curlycraftymom.com come up with her own DIY sequined wife tee an becme inspired by her efforts, creativity and chic looking top (see her post here). I also love her “no breaking bank” efforts and how it turned out. If you appreciate fashion, DIY, mmmy stuffad recipes then check out her blog and co-hosted “What Wives Wear” link up on Thursdays.

Add this button or this post URL link to your post, follow the rules (below) and then link-up:

Rules of the link up are as follows:

1). Please link up recent posts and include the link up button or post this URL link back on your blog. The posts can be about fashion, DIY projects, recipes, inspiration, tips, etc.

2). Please follow your host Rachel of Garay Treasures either by Bloglovin, Instagram, Facebook or Twitter or all.

3). Stop by and check out the other bloggers who have linked up and be inspired.

4).Depending on how many link up I will feature 2 or more bloggers and their posts for my next “Bloggers Who Have Inspired Me” link-up or series.

5). Have fun! Comment below if you have any questions! Thanks for linking up!

A little Blue




If you haven’t noticed already I have an obsession with wearing the color blue. Blue is not my favorite color or at least I would tell you I don’t think it is, but if I wear it a lot and gravitate towards it when shopping then I guess it is a new “favorite” color. There I stated it in stone. I also now own my first leopard print flats crossed off the wishlist and I love them as they are comfortable and were only $8 at Plato’s Closet, how awesome is that. There were other leopard flats I wanted that were $4 but they were 1 size to small and I couldn’t even get my fat toes in them.

I wore this outfit yesterday around my hubby’s college campus with the kiddos and to the on-campus local coffee shop. I felt like the outfit was the only thing keeping me a bit excited for the morning as most everyone was grouchy yesterday (the kids, myself, hubby). We were grouchy for our own reasons, but a nice walk helped and getting to have a break blogging and photo shooting while the babies slept after the walk helped the day go by smoother.

I normally don’t like to show off my wrists or fingers much as I don’t feel these are appealing in my eyes, but decorated with some lovely jewelry such as these bangles from my blogging friend Whitney of Whitneynicjames.com helps. I think they are just the cutest and very unique. These are from her vintage online boutique Shop Nics Picks that you can check out here for some awesome (and cheap) viPntage or thrifted pieces of clothes, and accessories. Thanks Whitney for the gifts.
By the way I will be hosting my first link up party next week on the blog. So be sure to stick around to link up and perhaps get the chance to be 1 of 3 or more featured at the end of it.

Outfit details: Shirt: Gift//Jeans: Jacalyn Smith (from swap)//Necklace: Mall of Style c/o//Bangled Bracelets: Shop Nics Picks//Leopard flats: Plato’s Closet//Purse: Michael Kors (gift from NY).

Thank you for stopping by everyone. Rachel xo
Linkinh up with:

Shannon with Friday Favorites Link up

Aztec Print Kimino




Hello my lovely readers, how are you? I am blessed but have had my share of mommy frustrations and stresses. Onward to positive things though, like fall (my favorite season), fall weather this past weekend and this outfit you see today.

I don’t know what you would call this lovelyAztec printed cardigan from Mint Julep Boutique but I sure call it a Kimino. I received this in the mail last week and could not wait to wear and style it, so Sunday became the day. I choose to wear it casually with my new blue skinny jeans, a sleeveless button tee and black flats to go with the black accents in the kimino.

The Aztec styled necklace I am wearing gives it more umph while the Michael Kors Hamilton tote bag gives a more chic look to everything. I just loved the look and the comfortable fit of everything. I can’t wait to see how else  I will be styling tihis lovely kimino the rest of this new season.

Thanks for reading,

Rachel xo

Outfit Details:Aztec printed cardigan from Mint Julep Boutique //Pants: Celebrity (Plato’s Closet)// Sleeveless tee: Old Navy (old)//Flats: Merona (Target, old)//Necklace: Plato’s Closet//Purse: Michael Kors Hamilton bag (wedding gift from NY).
please fill free to follow me through bloglovin,Instagram and twitter or facebook to view more. *Hint I am a huge Instagram, facebook and bloglovin junkie lately, sp let me know if you have an account.

Tour through blog land




I am honored that Becky of bybmg blog has recently nominated me for a participation in the new “Tour Through Blog Land” you may have been reading or hearing about. I love Becky, we have become blogging buddies and her blog is probably one of the first blogs I read daily. I love getting outfit style inspirations from her, recipes, and more. If you want to read more about her “Tour Through Blog Land” experience and learn more about her, click here.

 Now to the questions I was asked to fill you in on:

1) What am I working on?- Currently, I am working on just random posts weekly.  I post 2 to 3 times a week (normally on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays) but sometimes life gets chaotic being a stay at home mom to 4 kids and I do what I can. I am currently working on putting together my next “Bloggers Who Have Inspired Me” series (see past ones here,here, here, here and here and here) and would like to do a monthly link up with this series in the near future and feature those bloggers that have inspired me through the link-up. For now I am working out the details (how to create  a button for the link up, advertise it, etc., so stick around so you can link up. I also have two mommy fashion loving ladies who will be presenting themselves to you through my “Featured Blogger Moment” series (see past featured bloggers Amber and Becky

2) How does my work differ from others in it’s genre? I like to post on my weekend outfits, life updates, my family and things that inspire me.  I like to brag about other bloggers whom I love and appreciate (hence the “Blogger’s Who Have Inspired Me” series and “Featured Blogger Moments” series. I also have been told that I an “honest and encouraging blogger” as I try to be real and share when life is good and bad rather than seeming fake. I also wear a lot of thrifted or vintage items from my closet in my outfit posts, adding a touch of new items here and there but I like to shop my closet and remix items in my wardrobe.

3) Why do I write/create what I do?- I like to write because its a creative outlet for me and it’s a way for me to b half way social as  I don’t get out much with 4 kids and I am shy around large groups of people. Sometimes I tink blogging is a release of hidden emotions, thoughts or creativity and I just have to let it out. I also like the responses I get from my readers or companies that want to collaborate with me. (See my collaborate & review policy here).div>

4) How does my writing/creating process work?- As I mentioned above I blog when I can, normally at nighttime and posts get published on Monday’s, Tuesdays (or Wednesdays if not Tuesday) and Thursdays. I don’t follow a set schedule, however certain link ups or certain outfits inspire my posts or the content I blog about.

Thank you for taking the time to read my answers, please fill free to follow me through bloglovin,Instagram and twitter or facebook to view more. *Hint I am a huge Instagram, facebook and bloglovin junkie lately, sp let me know  if you have an account.

There are some bloggers I follow that I can’t get enough inspiration and encouragement from. These lades are real, honest and uplifting at times, therefore I have nominated them to participate in the Tour Throuh Blog Land and they will post around September 30th.

1). Sammi of Beautiful Dreamer Blog

2). Whitney of whitneynicjames.com

Whitney James is a proud Baltimore native and is the creator of the Life & Style blog, Whitney Nic James. A self proclaimed thrifting aficionado and crazy pageant sister, Whitney’s goal is to motivate women and help them create an affordable, stylish & inspiring lifestyle. Living by her father’s motto, “Dare to be Different”, Whitney resides in Columbia, MD with her husband and strives to live each day with purpose.

3). Amber of Fashion Floss and Lipgloss blog

“Hi, I’m Amber from Fashion, Floss and Lip Gloss! Aside from being a mom, wife and dental hygienist (among other titles!) I decided over a year ago to begin blogging as my creative outlet by sharing my outfits and style and beauty tips!

I don’t think style should have to be sacrificed due to a budget – and I believe that what you wear affects how you feel. I’m all about affordable style that also displays confidence! I blog dressy and casual looks that I actually wear in my real life.

I love encouraging other women to be the best version of themselves and hope to inspire everyone to shine from the inside out!”

Show me and teach me mommy




A few days ago I was outside with Xander (my 2 year old) and on my iphone reading and commenting on a blogger who just had a baby, and while congratulating her I looked over at my own baby who sat in the grass twittling with some grass and acorns. In that moment it was like God was telling me “Show me mommy, tell me about what I see mommy.” I put down the phone and went over to my little boy and talked with him about the grass and rocks and acorns but by this point he was disinterested, so I walked behind him and commented on the things he was seeing.

Then last night as the others went to bed I began getting frustrated with Xander as in my mind I thought he should be in bed (and I was hungry), I was stern with him, raising my arrrrgggh voice and finally put a dvd on for him so I could eat and reflect on my attitude for a moment. While I was frustrated with him he was trying to talk to me, but his speech is unclear sometimes. I turned the dvd off after I had a chance to eat and finally sat down with him on my lap and he and I shared some cereal, giggled and I repeated what he was talking about or tried to make sense of his words and phrases. When he finally went to bed I did my chores and went to bed myself, and somehow I just felt emotional and awful. A few tears followed and prayer (much needed).
I have been so hard on myself this week. I have taken the view of feeling like a bad mom, and friend. Some of the things I have messed up on as a parent have been eating away at my soul instead of giving these cares to God. So wow! God not only reminded me to “show me and tell me” with my son but he does the same or requires the same of me. I need to put away the iphone, my cares and just talk with him as he does me if I would only listen and make time for him.

God gives me grace if only I would allow myself grace. God forgives if I can only forgive myself. God does not worry if I would stop worrying. My point is mommies out there, take the time and just bask in the truths and presence of God. His word and life is an example we should follow to the best of our abilities. We may mess up or frustrate him, but isn’t it awesome that he still would follow with us, hold us in His mighty arms. He is good!

Rachel xo

My Living room organization method




Todays post is a little unusual in that you get a glimpse of bits of my living room, but not only that but on how I organize things daily in the room. I am joining in on a link up with Becky an friends for organizing so this is what I wll be showcasing for you today.

First off, the toy area/bookshelf/storage:

We have a white four stacker plastic shelving (given to us) that we use for bigger toys (trucks, toys that sound, etc). Then beside this is the black bookshelf (from Target last fall for $25 on back to school sales) which houses picture frames, candles, coasters and look- bins!

The black and gray bins (bought at Big Lots last fall for $8 for a pack of 6) houses toys. Sometimes the bins are organized by dishes and play food, cars, legos, etc but not at the moment. On the floor next to the bookshelf there is a bin of wooden stackable blocks andf cars that are too big to shelve.

The top shelf contains a grey bin for electronic pieces, wires and batteries (on your left) and the bin on your right contains photos and photo albums that are small enough t fit of course. If there are no photos in frames or scrapbooks they go in here. Finally on the top of the bookcase are dvd cases that house all of our dvds at the moment.

The huge case contains adult dvds, an the slimmer case contains children’s dvds.

Finally, I thought I would show you our shoe tote basket under our table by the door, because it is so pretty and the centerpiece for how we would like to redecorate our living room (blue, whites and canary yellow). I scooped this lovely basket for $20 at TJ Maxx a few months back and I just love how it has held up and hid the shoes, while looking great for décor purposes.

That is all I have to show you for now. When we redo our livng room (new couch, throw pillows, shelves and picture frames painted) I will show you the results. Until thank you for reading.
Rachel xo

Linking up with:

With Becky an friends