Friday Favorites: Snow Days

Wow! I can't believe our Texas weather. We have had 3 ice/snow days in two weeks. On top of that, Spring Break has started which makes it even crazier!!!

What I have loved the most is all this extra time with family. Sure, we got a little stir crazy but for the most part it was kinda nice to be forced to just stay at home and relax.

The first two days we had off were due to ice but that didn't stop us from playing outside.

Yes...my hubby owns jackets and pants...but no....he will not wear them. #peteacherlife

Showing off in his flip flops, tee, and shorts...geez

The first two days were a little rough because we started running out of things to do and we were trying to limit just putting them in front of the tv. I swear I cooked like there was no tomorrow, we painted, cleaned, did homework, they made up games, rolled around, they fought and then made up, and they even just cut up pieces of paper. We were a little excited to get back to school.

Then this past Thursday we woke up to SNOW! We spent hours outside and even took a walk around the neighborhood!

They had to thaw out when we came in so they put on bathing suits and hopped in our tub....snorkel and all.

I am not trying to be all sentimental but I am so thankful for days like these. Am I a perfect mom? Absolutely not. Do we have perfect lives? Nope. Did I have perfectly planned activities? Haha, no.. unless you call eating tons of carbs and falling asleep to Mr. Peabody and Sherman planned activity then maybe....But I am realizing that I have to take each day as God gives it and to slow down and enjoy the moments He gives us.  Right now, all I know is that Joey and I are trying to soak up every minute with our kiddos. It may mean putting down phones and getting away from technology but crazy days like snow days helped remind us to slow down more often.

Fashion Spotlight: TREND Boutique

Today, I am sitting down with Crissy Cates. She is the co-owner (along with her husband) of Trend Boutique which I am now a huge fan of. She is quite a fashionable mommy, wife, teacher, and now entrepreneur. I asked her a couple of questions about her and her shop....so let's get started!

1. Tell us about yourself.
I am a child of the King, wife, mother, sister, friend, and 3rd grade teacher who is blessed beyond measure. I seek to venture through life with poise, grace, and style. Like every other woman, many days I fall short! But my heart is full and my dreams are big. If I make it through a day and bless my family or others in some small way, I consider it a success!

 2. How would you describe your style?
My personal style tends to be primarily bohemian: laid back, easy, comfy, and trendy. At the moment my staples are anything with fringe, gorgeous kimonos, all things flowy, destroyed jeans, and basic tees all topped off with a long pendant stacked over a delicate gold necklace OR a statement necklace around the neck.

3. Tell us about Trend and your vision behind it?
The idea for Trend was born over a breakfast conversation at IHOP with my husband. We both have big dreams and a great desire to serve others while building a legacy for our family. We've had many discussions about turning our passions into a business. We knew my passion for fashion and Rob's tenacious spirit were a perfect combination to start our own boutique! This has been the most exciting adventure I've ever taken!

In my thirties, I have been awakened to such a new sense of confidence that I never knew before. I want to impart the ability to feel confident from the inside out to women of all ages, shapes, and sizes. No woman stands taller than when she's dressed on the outside in a way that reflects her inner beauty.

A verse that has inspired me for Trend is Proverbs 31:25, "She is clothed in strength and dignity and laughs without fear of the future." There is such beauty, strength, and inner peace in this verse.

4. What are your 3 favorite pieces in your boutique right now?
Hardest thing EVER to pick only 3, but here it goes:

1. This Sweater Tho: This open knit, slouchy sweater is such an awesome piece that you can take from winter to summer. I have both dressed it down with sweats or tights and dressed it up with pants and jeans. (HERE)

2. Go with the Flow: This flowy, figure flattering sun dress has such a fun, on-trend, totally wearable pattern and can be worn alone at the beach or paired with a denim vest for a day out shopping. (HERE)

3. Damsel in a Duster: Because I am just LOVING dusters right now. They are such an easy statement piece and can go over anything from shorts, jeans, tights, swimsuits...you name it!(HERE)

5. What would be your fashion advice to readers?
My fashion advice is first and foremost, to be comfortable in whatever you choose to wear. Take notice on what you're wearing on the days you feel best about yourself. Don't hesitate to use Pinterest or some of your favorite fashion blogs (like this one and yourfriendontrend.com) for inspiration. Work your favorite trends into your wardrobe only in ways you feel comfortable. What works on some, doesn't work on all! I love this quote by Judy Garland. "Be a first rate version of yourself not a second rate version of someone else."

I am definitely a customer and wanted to share some of my recent purchases from Trend and my wish list for the spring!

1. Chic Chambray (click HERE to purchase)

I 

This will be my spring staple. I paired it with some white skinny jeans and the cleopatra necklace from Trend. I can't wait to pair it with fun shorts, with a sundress, and pastel skirts. This fits so much better than other chambray shirts I have tried before. This is a softer, light material. Other ones I tried before made me feel boxy and uncomfortable. This is fitted, so I got a large and it's perfect!!! I will note I also have wide shoulders so a medium would have worked if it weren't for my shoulders.

2. Barely Bell Top (click HERE to purchase)

I love this shirt. It is so feminine and has pretty detailing to it. This would be cute with jeans, shorts, or white skinny jeans. It is perfect for warm spring and summer days. I love the cut outs on the arms. Great for a date night and it also comes in a gorgeous blue.

3. Demigoddess Denim Tunic Dress (click HERE to purchase)

This is a perfect dress if you're a Southern girl. I paired it with boots and a multi-layer turquoise necklace. I can't wait to wear this to little festivals and out shopping on spring afternoons. My favorite part is the lace detailing on the arms.

4. Cleopatra Necklace (click HERE to purchase)

All I am going to say is a statement necklace goes a long way. It adds a pop and a bit of glam to a simple outfit. I can't wait to pair this with a fitted white tee, jeans, and wedges or with a dress.


Here are a couple of items I hope to purchase soon...I hope Joey is reading this!

The Cleopatra Necklace in WHITE! Perfect for Summer. (HERE)

This Sweater Tho in white. I love how Trend paired it with these stinkin' cute shorts! (HERE)

Again, thank you to Crissy at Trend for taking the time to chat with me about her amazing store! I know I am a fan and am sure you will be too. I love the fact that she is a mom, wife, fashionista, teacher, and follower of God. It is quite motivating to see a working mom (along with her hubby) doing it all while counting her blessings.

If you would like to check out Trend, you can start shopping HERE!

Sum It Up Sunday

I am back home after a work trip to San Diego and couldn't be happier to be cuddled up and cozy! I had a blast and will be blogging all about it later but the blog was well past due for a Sum It Up Sunday....so here ya' go!

With my new position, I get to supervise some of the games. Grayson joined me for a little Mustang basketball! He may have thought it was the coolest thing ever. He got to stay up a little late, sit at the top of the bleachers, talk to a police officer, and eat a Snickers! Talk about the good life.

That weekend, we headed to Lala's for a Matilda Jane trunk show. They had the cutest stuff and I am so excited because I will be having a trunk show soon, as well. So look for that! Then Ella and I headed to get our nails done for a little Mommy and Me time. After that, we headed to see Grayson play and had a blast. Him and his friends have been so awesome this year. It is so neat to see how much their skills have grown!

The next weekend was Valentine's! It was a super busy weekend but a blessing. We made sure to get in some down time between Grayson's game and throwing my sister's baby shower.

Sweetest kiddos

I actually caught a picture of him right before he went to bother his sister...can you just see the mischief?

super early morning Valentine

Valentine work attire

cutest little players

my adorable nephew Jansen came to watch Grayson's game

And before I continue, can I just share my love for Nickel and Suede (which you can find HERE)?? One of my Valentine presents were their earrings in snow leopard. As you know I can only wear super light earrings and these are so light I don't even notice them. I am waiting for their new colors to come out and plan ordering a couple more for Spring! They are a nice pop of color or pattern and are such a great price. I am now a huge fan! The ones I am wearing are medium. I will probably order medium and small in the future.

My sister's shower was a success and we had so much fun getting ready to welcome Lawson Reed!!!

me and my mama

my party helper

My dad and my nephews, Falcon and Liam

My adorable sister and the other lovely ladies that threw the shower

Nana and her mini

Between all of the hustle and bustle, our sweet Grayson lost another tooth at school. Luckily, Daddy was there to document it all and put it in a safe place!!! The dentist says his two front teeth are getting loose and will be the next to go.....how adorable is that????

Last Tuesday, I woke up feeling sick and headed to the dr. to find out I had a sinus infection. Luckily I got a shot since I was getting on a flight and leaving the next day.

a shot???

Then it was off to San Diego....I learned so much on my trip and will blog all about it soon!! So eye opening and some pretty good stuff. So glad to be a member of NASSP.

But the best part of my week was coming home to sweet faces who were just as excited!!! We had a little living room sleep over and enjoyed a healthy breakfast of donuts and hot cocoa...haha!

Pretty precious, huh?

Love this sleepy face!

I plan on enjoying the day playing, baking, and praying for a snow day tomorrow!!! Y'all have a great week!