Random Things I Love This Summer

Things I love, like.....

The beautiful shapes and colors the sea deposits on the shore for me to find.  As far as the sharks teeth go, Neil seems to have the eagle eye for spotting them this summer.

The bright colors and shape of colors of new clothes before the sizing has been washed out.

Being the first person to flip through a brand new magazine with it's crisp pages.  *I'm the lucky recipient of bag fulls of magazines from my neighbor, and hers are almost like new, heck sometimes I think she never opened them.

Giving my feet a paraffin wax treatment.

Playing with all the fun, bold nail polishes available this summer.

Dipping my colorful toes in the sea and sand.

Having a basket full of swimsuits to choose from. *Secret...I still want more. shh - it's our secret.

Giving things away.
Speaking of which, my Hapari Swimsuit giveaway is coming to an end.  One lucky winner will receive a $100 Hapari gift code!  You can enter here, but hurry it ends July 20th at 11:59 pm EST.

Most of all I love knowing I can look for all the answers in the book next to my bed. Gods word is there for me in good times and in bad.  He will never forsake me or you.

Now I want to know what is something that you love.  Tell me what makes you smile.  Is it your kids, maybe your fur babies?  Is it your new flip-flops or an iced coffee?  Lets hear all about it, don't be shy...spill the beans!

Happy weekend y'all...

Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.

~ Jeremiah 33:3

Announcing the Winners of the 2014 Mother's Day Gift Guide Giveaways

Mother's Day has come and gone and so has our giveaway.  Julie and I both had so much fun with this.  I say that as we both breathed a collective sigh of relief when it was all over.  You guys rocked and made the giveaway extravaganza a BIG success!!!  Thanks to each and everyone of you for entering and spreading the word. Muah!!

Our sponsors really came through and generously provided all kinds of great products for Julie & I to review.  I hope our gift guide helped to make your Mother's Day shopping easier.

Shopping online or even by phone makes gift giving so easy. We hope that we provided you with some great shopping options for the next time you're shopping for that birthday, holiday or just because gift.

Now it's time to announce our lucky winners

ToiletTree Products

Professional Skin Care System

The winner is: Deb N.

Shampoo & Soap Shower Dispenser

The winner is: Melissa G.

Tropical Traditions Virgin Coconut Oil

The winners are:  Inez M. and Kalais

Montagne Jeunesse Face Mask

The winners are:  LaTanya T. & Melissa S.

Light 'n Go Bonfire Log

The winner is:  Jhing K.

Kerusso Christian T-Shirt & Mug

The winner is: Laura T.

The Bouqs Flowers

The winner is:  Shelley P.

Swiss Colony Spring Flower Tower or Petits Fours

The winner is:  Suzanne D.

All our lucky winners have been contacted and claimed their prizes, and will be enjoying them very soon.  

If you enjoyed this giveaway extravaganza then you'll want to stay tuned to see what's in store for Father's Day!!!

Please leave me a comment if you'd like to see more giveaways like this.  What's something that you would really like to win?  Tell me something reasonable and then throw in something totally mind blowing for fun!!!  The more I hear from you, the more content I can provide that you'll enjoy.  Plus, be a friend - new or old and talk to me because I get tired of hearing myself. 

A big thank you goes out to my partner Julie @ Mamawj's Moment Away for this week long giveaway event.  I could never have done it without all the hard work she put in.

   xx MUAH xx Julie!!

Love you all...

From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another.

~ John 1:16

Win a $50 Gift Card in the Back To School Giveaway

It's that uber busy time of year again.  The school doors once again opened, which means everyone wakes up in full run and panic mode.  To do list are falling off the fridges everywhere. New clothes are always at the top of those to do list this time of year.

One way you can earn a little spending money is to sell your unwanted giftcards to GiftCardRescue.  GiftCardRescue.com is a unique company that buys giftcards from those who don't want them and sells them to those who would use them.

Consumers can get up to 90% cash back for their unwanted gift cards and save from 4% up to 30% on discounted gift cards to over 350 national merchants. GiftCardRescue.com guarantees all transactions!  Just think of the money you can save by planning ahead and getting you gift cards with GiftCardRescue.com!  I think this is a brilliant idea.  I've had gift cards before that I wished I could cash in, it's a new way of recycling and getting the most out of your money.

I went right up to Old Navy with the gift card that I received from GiftCardRescue.com and didn't have any problems at all when I made my purchase.

So whether you're looking to buy clothes for yourself (like me) or the kids going to Gift Card Rescue is a good idea.

Look at this cute plaid shirt I purchased with my Gift Card Rescue.  I really wish you could see how vibrantly colored this shirt really is.  It's sort of a crandberry pink and has a nice tailored cut.  I just love it!  It's so soft I just can't wait for our temperatures to cool down so I can wear it.  It's such a soft cotton, almost like a super light weight cotton which is perfect for Florida's mild falls.  I know I'll be getting a lot of wear out of this.

Win a GiftCardRescue.com car
I've teamed up with two other great bloggers to host a giveaway where one lucky reader will win a $50 Back To School gift card from GiftCardRescue.com!  To find out more about the giveaway and two terrific bloggers you can visit them here:
Julie from Mamawj's Moment Away
Karen from The Mommy Times
This giveaway will end September 30th.

How to enter
Rafflecopter makes entering our giveaway easy.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good Luck Y'all...

Disclosure:  GiftCardReuse provided me with a gift card in exchange for a product review.  However, all the opinions expressed here are my own.

Tuesday's Style After 30 - Get Your Red, White and Blue On

I kid you not, the 4th of July is just over a week away! Do you plan what you're going to wear or are you just a fly by your seat kinda gal?  

Well here's some Pinterest Red, White and Blue inspiration to get y'all started.  I adore this pretty patriotic frock!  I think there are so many different belt styles you could add to it.  Patent leather red or navy would be pretty.  Or what about a navy or natural rope belt with a nautical theme latch on the front.

Source: rstyle.me via Tracy on Pinterest

Here's another cute dress that looks so cool and summery.  Add a big blue beaded  necklace or earrings to set the 4th theme.  A belt would work with this one too.

Source: cosmopolitan.fr via Tracy on Pinterest

I'm in love with this blue blouse.  The drape is so pretty and would enhance any ones figure.  It looks like it might be a crepe de chine fabric.  With the heat that we have during this time of year I would pair it with white shorts instead, take away the shoes and bangles, and add a red bag.  As far as jewelry, I'd again look for a red bauble necklace or something with stars to complete the holiday theme. Some pretty sandals with a metal starfish design would be the perfect footwear.

Source: maggie-jackson-carvalho.polyvore.com via Tracy on Pinterest

Another top that that accentuates your waist and bust line.  You may want to avoid the flare if hips are an issue for you.  It seems to be my problem as of late (well it may be more of a derrière thing).  I adore the simple all American red plaid design on the fabric but with a twist.  It also looks like it's crepe de chine to me. Again I would go with shorts or capris, or for a dressier affair a white pencil skirt would be impressive.  Of course you know what I'm going to say next... Be sure to add that touch of blue, it is all about the day! I'd go with a nature straw bag.  Change the shoes to sandals or a simple heel if your wearing a skirt. 

Source: Uploaded by user via Tracy on Pinterest

Chambray is always in fashion and it's the official all American go to.  We American's love our denim. The bag is perfect but the shoes and earring have to go.  I'll let you have your way with those. My ideas would be seashells such as starfish again or possibly sand dollars or even a nautical look with an anchor or rope design.

Source: taraelliottchetty.polyvore.com via Tracy on Pinterest

I can't get away with the jacket here.  I mean when the fireworks are going off it's still in the 80's here.  But this would be great for any of you with cooler evenings. Love the snappy sandals.

Source: rae-ann-nolan.polyvore.com via Tracy on Pinterest

Okay before you think I've lost my mind and decide to tell me about it, yes I know it's not Memorial Day.  Just go with me people - we're looking for a red, white and blue theme.  This blouse is more in keeping with my weather.  It looks like it's effortless and comfortable to wear.  The blouse is loose and the shorts aren't too short.  If I was going to carry a clutch bag I would chose a woven natural linen or straw. Add blue using different jewelry, sandals or even a tie in your hair.

Source: handpickedinc.polyvore.com via Tracy on Pinterest

I'm not sure about the belt with this top at least not in Patent leather.  Maybe it's because the belt looks hiked up so high too.  I'm petite at 5'3, so I'd have to hem this. But this top certainly has drape and a pleasing look.  I love this style on someone like my mom who was 5'9" tall.  (My son's 6'2" and yes I've got height envy). The earrings are a little too orange. Pair this with grasshoppers or deck shoes instead. Let's switch the pants to capris or shorts and call it done.

Source: laura-snitcher-riel.polyvore.com via Tracy on Pinterest

Chambray with red and white plus a nautical theme.  Need I say more?  Well we will have to find a longer pair of shorts.

Source: polyvore.com via Tracy on Pinterest

This last outfit is all about the dress and belt.  Love them!!  The shoes are okay and I like the bag alot just not with this dress.  The bow and glasses must go unless you're dressing your 6 year old and then please don't give her these glasses.  Remember how I said a belt would go great with the first dress.  I didn't even realize it until now but this was totally the belt I was describing!  Serendipity!!

Source: Uploaded by user via Tracy on Pinterest

There you go with my picks for an All American Girl outfit.  If you put one together I'd love you to share so I can pin it.

By the way - Did you enter my Olay giveaway.  After all the sun you'll get on the 4th you'll be happy to win this!!  Just click HERE to enter or see the button on my sidebar.

Whatever you wear this 4th of July just make it fun and be safe.

Hugs Y'all...

Tracy ♥

Are You Wearing the Proper Clothes?

Thanks to my friends for leaving such sweet comments and letting me know that your thinking of me.  It's been a rough weekend.  I have a splitting headache and don't want my blog to be all about that.  I'm keeping in mind that it will pass and the Lord will be my strength. 

This song came to mind while thinking about my sister and a little project I want to do.  It made me think of better days ahead and I want to share it with you.  Oh' and you're probably wondering about that title, keep reading and you'll understand.  I just got sidetracked with this song. 

It was written by and performed by Gale Garnette from Australia who later went on to play in many TV shows and movies including "Bonanza" and "My Big Fat Greek Wedding".

What a beautiful song to start out with on Sunday.  I hope your Sunday is full of sunshine and love.

Now back to that title.  This verse is why I named this post "Are You Wearing the Proper Clothes?"

Matthew 22:11-14 (From Parable of the Wedding Feast)

11 But when the king came in to meet the guest, he noticed a man who wasn't wearing the proper clothes for a wedding. 12 'Friend, he asked, 'how is it that you re here without wedding clothes?' 13 But the man had no reply.  13 Then the king said to his aides, 'Bind his hands and feet and throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'  14 "For many are 'called, but few are chosen." 

 Reading the study notes I learned the meaning of this passage.

• 22:11 The term proper clothes correspond to spiritual fruit that demonstrates real faith (see 7:13-27).
• 22:13 Weeping and gnashing of teeth express the intense pain and sorrow that result from condemnation for sin and unbelief (see 8:12; 13:42, 50; 24:51; 25:30. *Outer darkness is a metaphor for eternal punishment.
• 22:14  While many people are called-they hear the invitation to the kingdom-few are actually chosen by God and respond in faithful obedience to Jesus.

I'm so glad that I have a study Bible.  I've wanted one for years. While I understand certain phrases such as 'weeping and gnashing of teeth', I didn't realize what the term 'proper clothes' referred to.  I won this Bible though a giveaway earlier this year and am so grateful, as I said before, I had wanted one for years. Now I realize just how vital it is.  I'm not writing this to promote this particular Bible (which I love, if you can't tell).  I just wanted to share the verse this morning and thought it was important to share what I learned as well. If you've ever thought about getting a study Bible I whole-heartily recommend that you do.  Mine is the NLT Study Bible by Tyndale.

Now I have to go lay down and I'll be pondering the question about my clothes and what other people see inside of me.

Love and wishes for a blessed day ya'll.

Hugs......Tracy :)



I'm Hungry for Fashion

Thank goodness Gabi decided to feed my need for clothes and
Shabby Apple really hits the spot.  I won Gabi's giveaway at Hungry For Fashion.

I just love this Spanish Steps dress.  I can't believe it.  I just posted about my need for something new to wear this morning.

I love the vintage/retro feel of Shabby Apple designs.

Stop by and visit Gabi at Hungry For Fashion.  She has fashion fever and we're lucky enough to get to see her everyday dressing style because she takes a picture for us.  Thanks again Gabi.  I just can't wait to get my dress!