The Magic of Maxi

What is the magic of a maxi?  

It's all about the illusion...

"Love can sometimes be magic.
But magic can sometimes...just be an illusion." {-Javon}

So, I say---go with it...have some fun with it. 

Maxi dresses invoke immediate elegance, sophistication and a return to femininity...its lovely and powerful.  Can you feel it?  Can you see it?  It's simple and beautiful--not to mention comfy, easy and effortless.  And  really, most importantly, a maxi doesn't judge--only loves and embraces your curves and makes everything all right--no matter your shape or size.

Here's the key--alright, 3 keys: Great shoes {to be sure you are not sweeping the floor behind you--not attractive}, Fantastic accessories and seriously ladies, a Slip.

So, do you believe in magic?  Well then, create it...

{and because I can't resist--notice the waistlines...natural waist or on the hips--I bet we will be seeing a lot of these very soon....I love it.}

xo

Decisions. Decisions.

You know how you make decisions about a lot of things every day.  When to get up, what to wear, what to do with your hair, what needs to get done, etc.  Sometimes it's just easy.  I know exactly what I'm doing and I've got things figured out...

Sometimes it goes a bit deeper.  What are the things in my life I've really decided?  Well, that goes more like... Have I committed to a daily ritual, of sorts?  Exercise, eating healthy, learning, studying, preparing, planning, etc.  These rituals become habits, and typically (if you are anything like me) get thrown off here and there.  I get distracted easily and like to change things up a bit, sometimes I lose sight of these tasks.  But, over time, things always seem to circle back...

And then there's the stuff I've really, really decided.  The things I've already decided.  My values.  My role as a Woman and Mother.  The people I want to surround myself and let influence me.  Who I truly want to be... and especially, Whose I want to be.  Sometimes, even as an adult, we forget.  We forget that since we think we've already decided, that we don't need to take inventory.  We get lost in all the stuff constantly bombarding us.  We start valuing things of really no value.  We get lost in all the noise of music, magazines, t.v., pinterest--and we think we are still on the right track.  We lose our focus.  And then, when we take a moment (or sometimes five), we look around and realize we have veered a bit, not a ton, but enough...

So, this is for me and all those who need that little reminder, of the things we've already decided--and maybe need to re-decide, once again.

What side of the line will you be on?  Take a moment, evaluate and decide.

xo

Prints. Patterns. GALORE.

Patterns make me happy.  Mixing patterns makes me really happy.

I love the complexity of layering patterns.  Its bold.  Its daring.  Its exciting.

Not to mention, it requires confidence.  And most of all...it must to be done correctly.

Mixing patterns is not just hap-hazzardly throwing 2 or 3 printed pieces together. No.

Mixing patterns is much like layering patterns in interior design.  Scale, color and weight are of serious consideration.

Study how these outfits work.

1.  Super large prints require a solid pairing to give it drama.  Color consideration and embellishments are the way to make large pattern exciting, different and fun.

2.  Medium prints can be paired with tinier prints.  This creates interest and texture that balance each other.
3.  Medium prints can also be paired with other medium prints, as long as they are complimentary.

4.  Stripes pretty much go with everything.  I love the strength that a stripe gives.

So, how daring are you?  What's your confidence level?--get some inspiration and take a chance in your home and in your wardrobe...I guarantee those compliments will come rolling in.

xo

Annieism #2 - The Key to Success in Life

My husband would say I can never make up my mind.  I would say, I know exactly what I want.  Where in lies the difference?  Annieism #2--Communication: The Key to Success in Life.

Now, clearly I am not an expert, as many people in my life can attest.  But, what I have become keenly aware of recently, is invaluable.  Communication really does equal success.  Success in relationships with spouses, children, friends and family.  Success in business relationships.  Success in teaching.  Success in connecting with God.  So basically, success!  Now, let me clarify what success means to me, which is not defined by money, control or power or nanny-nanny-boo-boo.  Success means an effective connection.  It is the way you show your respect, love and honor of another person and their time.  It is the way you focus on someone else being more important than yourself.  Not because you want something from them, but because you respect them.

So, here's a few foibles I've come across.  I forget to return texts, or emails or I forget to communicate that I am running late.  Sometimes I forget to be nice to my own family.  Occasionally, I forget to say my prayers...what's the big deal?  Well, it's that whole success thing we just went over--I start loosing the respect and love of the people in my life that I actually care most about.  {Dangit}

So, I guess I could say, my husband is right in some cases because I don't always tell him what I am really thinking.  But, I can say too, that I do know exactly what I want--because when I am more focused on caring about those around me, and less focused on myself...Bam! Success!

I love it when I get out of my own way.

Is communicating better the key to unlocking a tricky relationship in your life?  {...that just might lead to some success?}  Try it out.

xo

Tuck it in...

Loving the tuck in right now...Well, I'm pretty sure I have always loved this look.  

So, here's the deal.  If you are super curvy and have a short waist (that's me!), proceed with caution on the tulle or super full skirts--they can add a few pounds to your lower half in a blink, but if you can pull this off, go for it!

But a pencil skirt with a tucked in blouse is extremely flattering to a woman's body--no matter your size.  It is always sophisticated, which, if you haven't noticed, I am quite partial to, and not to mention super feminine.  Here's a few tricks to getting this look to work for you...simple:  make sure that the waistband is at your natural waist.
Q: What's your natural waist?
A:  Its the tiniest part of your torso.
{Note:  When you wear a pencil skirt, it is not meant to sit on your hips.  Why?  #1 it looks crazy and  #2 it throws off the proportions that makes this look work so well}

There's only one problem with this...and really, what I struggle with is this....how do I avoid that bum line?? You know what I'm talking about--that line across your bum from your shirt being tucked in.   You know you either have had it, or you have been walking behind someone who has it.  Am I Right?  Sometimes it's a straight line, other times its an all crazy tangled up mess on their back end.  Right?

Now, I don't know about you, but I am not trying to draw any more attention to that region than necessary.  So, what's the solution to getting rid of that bum line?  Any suggestions?

xo

Kitchen Sink Inspirations

How many hours of my life have I spent at my kitchen sink?  Let's just say, a significant amount--with many hours still ahead of me.  So, since I especially love kitchen design, I thought I might share some to inspire....sophisticated, bright, elegant and inviting....Enjoy.

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As I think about all the time spent in the kitchen, I have a question: (mostly because I'm an analyzer...)

Is it just me, or is there something about that kitchen sink and getting divine inspiration?  So, I noticed about six months ago that while I am washing dishes and just sort of "free thinking"---I seem to get impressions, answers to questions I have been contemplating and much needed guidance.   Sometimes it comes in the form of just peace and contentment.  Other times I seem to have thoughts that just pop into my head--much needed answers.  While often I get clarity on a situation I have been struggling with...So I am wondering, is washing the dishes and wiping down counters the time when I am most "in-tune"?  Or is that the place that I spend most of my time?  Oooor, is that one of the blessings of serving my family?

xo

One

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BYU Women's Conference 2013

My new friend who saved my day

So often I get bogged down with getting things done.  Cleaning the house, laundry-ugh, making that phone call, writing that email, exercising, getting up early, preparing that lesson...I could go on.  But I am learning, it's just taking that one step in the right direction everyday.  Sometimes I decide to make a better choice on my own, and other times its the goodness in others that teach me.  While often times, it's seeing the hand of God in my life each day.

When I focus on using the Power of One principle, I am always moving in the right direction.  Whether I am  a part of a group united in one purpose, or the recipient of one act of kindness.  I am acknowledging the One.  Sometimes for me in everyday life, its taking one step in the right direction, deciding to match those socks, plan a meal or write in my journal.  I don't need to do everything.  I just need to do the One.

One step in the right direction and making a better choice can lead to powerful things.  One moment, One word or One decision can change a relationship, your heart or your future.

Choose one area in your life, choose one thing to work on, and choose one thing to do each day.  Watch what happens.
xo