Amazon
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What's In My Amazon Cart
One of my favorite things is when someone compliments something of mine, and I can say, "Thanks! It's from Amazon." Despite the fact that it's 2019, people are still usually stunned when I tell them that my adorable bracelet, dress, purse, or doormat came from Amazon. Only thing better than shocking my friends with Amazon purchases?? That free, 2-day shipping, baby. 😎
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| Guess how many things in this photo came from Amazon! |
My Amazon cart is full at all times. I know I've said this before, but if I ever accidentally purchased the whole cart, our bank account would be in a very bad way. Right now, I've got fall on the brain (why I don't know...it's 100 degrees), so my cart has a bunch of sweaters and cardigans but also a few pieces to finish out the summer in style.
Keep scrolling to check it all out!
Leopard Cuff Bracelet / Initial Necklace / Lace Off the Shoulder Top / Bell Sleeve Off the Shoulder Top / Sheet Set / Chunky Sweater / Chloe Dupe Handbag / Plaid Headbands / Sweatshirt / Graphic Tee / Retro Coffee Pot / Lace Tank / Color Block Cardigan / Floral Cami / Leopard Tumbler / Louis Vuitton Dupe Travel Bags / Snakeskin Platforms
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*I receive a small commission for purchases or clicks made through links in this post. However, I simply promote the brands and products that I love, and all opinions are my own!*
5 Things
Faith
Featured
Lifestyle
Do you share any of my struggles? Are there other things burdening your heart? Feel free to share them in the comments section below. But if you choose not to, know that I'm praying for you and for all the tough things you might be enduring, and I ask that you do the same for me.
Love you all!
XOXO,
Abby
5 Things I'm Struggling With
Ok I really didn't intend for this post to be yet another glorified list. And especially a list containing five items. However, this morning I finally made time to sit down and read a few chapters of a book I've been reading for months now.
(I used to read all the time and would make fun of my mom for how long it took her to read one book, usually about a year...now I get it). This book, Meeting God in Holy Places, was given to me by my Dad after he and Mom traveled to Israel. It is enlightening, inspiring, and always leaves me with something to think about.
I also keep a prayer journal, which I'm sad to admit I only write in about once every couple months. This morning, instead of writing down a traditional prayer, I just kind of wanted to write down all of the things that are currently troubling my heart. To get them on paper so I could really examine them. Ironically enough, it came out to five, which is my favorite number.
So because I've shared a few other "5 Things" posts (here and here) with you all before, I wanted to share these not-so-fun 5 things with you as well. I want to share them as a reminder that life isn't always rainbows and roses despite what you see on social media. And, I also want to share them in hopes that if you're going through something similar, you can know that you're not alone and that it's perfectly normal (did I just suggest that I'm perfectly normal lololol??) to have seasons of confusion and stress. Can a whole decade be considered a season?? #askingforafriend 😂
1. Frustration, judgement, and lack of support for people who I consider to be making poor choices
A flaw that I've noticed about myself particularly in adulthood is my judgment of others. On a spiritual level, I know that we are all sinners. And just because my sins have never disgraced me publicly, landed me in jail, or really negatively affected my life, they are still sins. We are all created in God's image, and I am no better than anyone else.
However, on an earthy level, I struggle with being judgmental towards those who sin differently than me. Towards people who are lazy, mooch off of others, apathetic, constantly negative and who fall into the same temptations or make the same mistakes over and over, I find myself thinking, "how hard is it to get it together??" I don't understand how anyone could settle for living a sub par (in my eyes) life and not want to strive and work for something better. I find myself feeling that people like that aren't even worth my time, and I avoid being around them.
But while we are all created in God's image, we aren't created to be the same. Sure the world would be a better place if everyone was just like me 😉, but that's not what God intended. We are each unique and have unique struggles. And no matter what those struggles are, God gives us his amazing and unending grace. I am not saved by good works, righteous living, or all the hustle I can muster but rather by my faith and God's good grace which I do not deserve.
So why can't I extend the same unending grace to others as Christ extends to me?
2. Focusing too much on my earthly life and consciously choosing things of this world over time with God.
I am way too focused on my life here on earth as opposed to my eternal life. I can step back and examine my everyday life and actions and can clearly see myself choosing other things (laundry, watching TV, Instagramming) over studying God's word or praying. I'm constantly putting my spiritual life on the back burner to focus on my earthly life, and I'm not really sure why. Lack of discipline, I guess. I know which one is more important, yet that's not the one I focus on.
3. Confining my life and ministry to inside my comfort zone
This one sort of ties into numbers one and two. Because of my tendency to judge others unfairly and to allow their actions that I don't agree with to bother me, and because I'm more focused on what I'm doing here on this earth rather than looking towards my eternal life and striving to further God's kingdom, I find myself only shining God's light to people who are already like me. To people who live like me, worship like me, and have similar struggles as me. I surround myself with people who already know God instead of seeking out those who don't. And when I do come in contact with those who don't know Christ, I don't feel like I really do anything that displays Christ to them, but rather I just blend in until I can get back to my comfort zone.
4. Feeling left out or left behind by all of my friends and family entering motherhood
Around this time last year, I wrote a blog post listing (imagine that) several reasons why I wasn't ready to have kids. One year later, I'm still not interested in procreating. However, also one year later, it seems like all of my friends and family members (not to mention every single person I follow on social media) is pregnant. They're entering this exciting time of literal expectation and they are being showered with joy and affection by everyone around them. They're in a season of change, hopefulness, and anticipation, and I envy them. I'm jealous of these "next chapters" my friends are walking into, but I'm not interested in having kids. I feel like I'm being left out or left behind, but I don't actually want what they have. I don't want a baby, but I'd love to experience a "next chapter." But, I've already gone to college, landed a stable job, married, moved, bought a house, adopted a dog, started a blogging hobby...now what?
What's next for me?
I also get a little sad knowing that my friendships with these women entering motherhood will be...not lost, but forever changed. Friendships shift with any life change, (going to college, moving away, getting married, etc.) and while the changing of life's seasons can be exhilarating, they've always left me feeling a bit nostalgic.
5. Uncertainty about becoming a mother myself
As of right now, there is nothing compelling me to have children other than the fear of who will take care of me and Greg when we're old. And that's not a reason to bring a child into the world. If I literally make a pros and cons list (I have), my single pro for childbearing would be having someone there in 60 years to put me in the nicest retirement home. And the cons list is so long I've lost count. Just from a logical perspective, that doesn't balance out so well.
I pray about it, but I'm not really sure what to pray for. Clarity, I guess. Discernment. Accidentally getting knocked up so the decision is made for me. I don't really know who to talk to about it either. My closest confidants either have kids or want to have them, so I feel like I just don't relate. And, I worry I might offend them if tell them all the reasons why I don't want to be a parent. I end up confiding in the few child free friends I have at work and mostly lamenting to Greg at least once a minute day about it. He says he is happy with whatever decision I make. He's not chomping at the bit to be a dad either, so he doesn't understand why I fret over it so much. BUT LIKE THERE'S LITERALLY A TIME LIMIT. And while everyone around me seems to be popping out kids left and right, I think the battery in my biological clock might be dead.
But there's still that lingering "what if" and the fear of regret. If I was 1000% certain that I wanted to remain childfree, I'd schedule a tubal tomorrow. But for some reason, I'm not closing the door completely. Maybe because I'm only 27. I definitely have some more time to decide. I think I'm just feeling pressure because it seems like everyone I know is doing it. Like for real, I'm going to start keeping a tally of how many days in a row I see a pregnancy announcement on Facebook.
I realize that this post is a bit of downer. A rundown of all of my flaws and struggles isn't the most inspirational of content. Especially since I don't have any solutions yet. They're just kind of there... annoying me.
But one thing I know for certain is that while life isn't perfect and I'm not perfect, I serve a God who is. He is faithful, and "he knows the plans he has for me. Plans for good and not for disaster, to give me a future and a hope." So, if He's got me in his hands, there's no need for me to worry or stress about my future or the places where I feel like I don't measure up.
Instead, The best thing for me to do during my time on this earth is to start each day fresh seeking God, displaying his love to others, and continually striving to reflect the gospel. I believe that if I focus on those things, the rest will all fall into place.
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"Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." - Phillippians 4:6-7
But there's still that lingering "what if" and the fear of regret. If I was 1000% certain that I wanted to remain childfree, I'd schedule a tubal tomorrow. But for some reason, I'm not closing the door completely. Maybe because I'm only 27. I definitely have some more time to decide. I think I'm just feeling pressure because it seems like everyone I know is doing it. Like for real, I'm going to start keeping a tally of how many days in a row I see a pregnancy announcement on Facebook.
I realize that this post is a bit of downer. A rundown of all of my flaws and struggles isn't the most inspirational of content. Especially since I don't have any solutions yet. They're just kind of there... annoying me.
But one thing I know for certain is that while life isn't perfect and I'm not perfect, I serve a God who is. He is faithful, and "he knows the plans he has for me. Plans for good and not for disaster, to give me a future and a hope." So, if He's got me in his hands, there's no need for me to worry or stress about my future or the places where I feel like I don't measure up.
Instead, The best thing for me to do during my time on this earth is to start each day fresh seeking God, displaying his love to others, and continually striving to reflect the gospel. I believe that if I focus on those things, the rest will all fall into place.
.
"Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." - Phillippians 4:6-7
Do you share any of my struggles? Are there other things burdening your heart? Feel free to share them in the comments section below. But if you choose not to, know that I'm praying for you and for all the tough things you might be enduring, and I ask that you do the same for me.
Love you all!
XOXO,
Abby
Fall Fashion
Fashion
NSALE
Sale
Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2019
The N-Sale is baaaaaack! And if I'm being honest, I hate it just as much as I love it. Like every shopaholic, I love a good sale, and the Nordstrom Anniversary sale is a great time to snag some splurge worthy items since the prices are majorly discounted. However, I kind of hate the exclusivity of the Nordstrom sale. I hate that tons of things sell out before public access starts (with no guarantees that they'll be restocked). I hate that your Instagram feed is filled with bloggers in over the knee boots IN THE MIDDLE OF JULY. I hate that the power of influence makes you feel like you're missing out if you don't buy seventeen cowl neck sweaters just to put them away in your closet until December.
So needless to say, very mixed emotions over here. 😂
I really wasn't even going to do a Nordstrom Sale blog post because according to a recent poll, most of you all aren't even planning on shopping it. But, after browsing through the sale items, there are in a fact a few things I want to buy when the sale opens to the public (fingers cross that they're still available), and I wanted to share them with you.
*Side Note: Fret not if the things you like at the Nordstrom sale sell out. I guarantee that there will be tons of similar (and cheaper) options available at other retailers when it's actually fall later in the season. *
Here are just a few things that caught my eye this year.
Everything you see below, plus some other great pieces are also linked on my N-Sale Picks Page.
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However, after all of my shopping, I really only plan on buying a few things, three to be exact.
Keep scrolling to check them out!
I'm absolutely in love with these boots, but these are what I'm most hesitant to buy. The sale price is still $160, and that is a splurge for me. Especially since I bought a similar pair at Target last year for $40. Still thinking about it though because they truly would go with just about everything this fall and winter. They also come in black and a FIRE snakeskin print.
Ok, so Barefoot Dreams cardigans are all the rage because apparently they're super soft and cozy. There are a few styles available in this year's sale, but this one was my favorite. They also have blankets too which would make great gifts (OMG what if you got all of your Christmas shopping done in July? How awesome would that be?!). Anyway, hoping to snag one of these softies this year to see if they live up to the hype.
Speaking of hype....
These leggings were something I didn't purchase last year and then instantly regretted it. Seeing as I live in some form of leggings all winter long, I'm not really sure why I didn't jump on the chance to get a faux leather version.
*I tried a $15 pair from Amazon last year, and they were an ULTIMATE fail. 😂😂*
Again, I'm planning on buying these Spanx leggings this year to see if they're really as great as everyone says.
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So, that's it! I only plan on buying 3 things.
While I love all of the cowl neck sweaters, cardigans, coats, and boots that are available, I know I can find similar options at a better price later in the season.
Are you shopping the Nordstrom Sale this year? Have you shopped it in the past? What are/have been your favorite pieces?
Let me know in the comments section below!
XOXO,
Abby
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*I receive a small commission for purchases or clicks made through links in this post. However, I simply promote the brands and products that I love, and all opinions are my own!*
Lifestyle
CaseApp + GIVEAWAY!
I'm so excited to host another CaseApp giveaway for you guys. If you've been a faithful follower since day one, you may remember when I hosted a giveaway with CaseApp last year. I had so much fun sharing their trendy phone cases with you, so I was excited to do it again this year
If you haven't heard of CaseApp, it's an easy to use website where you can create your own custom phone case or laptop skin. Or if designing your own isn't for you, choose from their abundant and adorable pre-made designs! That's what I did with mine.
I opted for a marble print (because for some reason I've always wanted a marble phone case) and a leopard print (because obvi). I chose the standard cases for my iPhone, but they also offer a "tough" option for iPhones as well. They also make cases for Samsungs, the Google Pixel 2, and iPads as well as skin - an easy to change adhesive sticker - for multiple devices including MacBooks, PopSockets, and several phones.
You can get 20% off of your CaseApp purchase with code 20ABBYLISH.
This code expires on July 13th though, so don't delay!
I'm also giving away one case or skin for FREE over on my Instagram page. So head there to get the details on how to enter to win.
XOXO,
Abby
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*The products in this posted were gifted per CaseApp. However, all opinions are my own.*
Fashion
Holidays
The 4th of July has always been one of my favorite holidays. I love getting together with friends and family to celebrate our nation's freedom. And, if I'm being honest, I love any reason to dress, and bake, patriotically (photo evidence later in this post).
July 4th Favorites
The 4th of July has always been one of my favorite holidays. I love getting together with friends and family to celebrate our nation's freedom. And, if I'm being honest, I love any reason to dress, and bake, patriotically (photo evidence later in this post).
In years past, we've spent the Fourth on the lake with my cousins. But no matter where you'll be on this special day, this post is full of fun clothes and accessories to help you celebrate.
Keep scrolling!
1. "Oh My Stars" Tee / 2. Star Sweatshirt / 3. Starburst Earrings / 4. Firecracker Tee / 5. Striped Sandals / 6. Star Tank / 7. One Piece Swimsuit / 8. Gingham Romper / 9. Denim Shorts / 10. Traditional Bunting / 11. Striped Pom Pom Bikini / 12. Red Pom Pom Bikini / 13. Heart Sunglasses / 14. Gingham Tie Front Top / 15. Watermelon Purse / 16. Popsicle Pool Float / 17. Kiss Tank / 18. Wreath Earrings
Please enjoy these Throwback July 4th pics circa 2013/2014. 😂😂😂
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| Recipe HERE |
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| The summer after I graduated nursing school, I got my nails done faithfully every 2 weeks. Each time I went I tried to get something more obnoxious than the last. |
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| I painted those shorts with fabric paint. Lord help me. |
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| Recipe HERE |
Wish I could dig up some more photos like these, but sadly, they've all been purposely and meticulously deleted these were all I could find.
How do you celebrate the 4th of July? Any fun traditions? Trying something new this year?
Let me know in the comments section below.
XOXO,
Abby
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*I receive a small commission for purchases or clicks made through links in this post. However, I simply promote the brands and products that I love, and all opinions are my own!*
Amazon
Fashion
Wishlist
*I receive a small commission for purchases made through links in this post.
In My Amazon Cart Right Now
If I ever accidentally purchased my entire Amazon cart, I would 100% overdraft my bank account. 😳😂 #butseriously
Right now, my cart is full of all things tropical and home decor because:
1. I'm headed to the beach in a week
2. I'm always looking towards the next little home update project
Keep scrolling to check out what's been sitting in my Amazon cart!
Pom Pom Cover Up / Pom Pom Clutch / Statement Earrings / Fuzzy Slippers / Clear Tote / Pineapple Dress / Chom Chom Pet Hair Remover / Pajama Set / Beaded Chandelier / Greenery Stems / Skinerals Self Tanner / Classic One Piece / Wide Legs Pants / Lemonade Garden Flag / White Cover Up / Heart Shaped Sunglasses / David Yurman Dupe Ring / Leopard Print Wedges
*I receive a small commission for purchases made through links in this post.
However, I simply promote the brands and products that I love, and all opinions are my own.*
Fashion
Follower Favorites
XOXO,
Abby
*I receive a small commission for purchases made through links in this post.
Follower Favorites - May 2019
Summer is fast approaching! Days are getting longer, skirts are getting shorter, and life is getting better! It's finally warm enough to break out the fun little sundresses, shorts, and sandals, and maybe even a few tropical inspired pieces for an upcoming beach vacay.
Keep scrolling to check out the Top 10 pieces you all loved and purchased in the month of May. I know you all are going to look so adorable in them this summer!
10. Lemon Dress
Amazon FTW again with this precious dress. Bought it on a whim and ended up falling in love! Lemon prints are very in right now, and the breezy style of this dress is perfect for a summer day.
A repeat offender from last month, this little skirt is a crowd favorite!
Another frequent flyer!
Found these in store buried under other shoes. It was like finding treasure!
Be hotter than those summer day in this bright red stunner!
The skirt I'm wearing in this photo is actually sold out, but I linked a really similar one from Amazon that you all seemed to love!
4. Panama Hat
Same thing with this hat that I bought from Walmart three summers ago! I've linked a similar one from Amazon that is so popular!
These necklaces are all. the. rage. It took a while to ship (due to high demand), but it was so worth the wait! Would make a great gift idea as well.
You can get 15% off with code ABBY15!
You can get 15% off with code ABBY15!
Two things I love: a classic cami and scallops. This little top is almost too good to be true!
These were the most popular last month! So comfy and cute! I size up to a large for a roomier fit.
XOXO,
Abby
*I receive a small commission for purchases made through links in this post.
However, I simply promote the brands and products that I love, and all opinions are my own.*
Fashion
Wishlist
Abbylish's Wishes
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| Wishing Luna could take some better photos. 😂 |
Does anybody even remember April? Needless to say, my April seemed to move at warp speed, so I didn't get an Abbylish's Wishes post out. Not to worry, though! This post is full of goodies that make up for a month off.
Keep scrolling to see what I've been eyeing all season.
Eyelet Blouse / Running Shorts / Scalloped Sports Bra / Natural Statement Earrings / Tan Clutch / Circle Bag / Striped Tank / NYC T-Shirt / Spotted Dress / Jeweled Sandals / Pom Pom Hat / Jetsetter Necklace / Pink Statement Earrings / Palm Clutch / Rose Gold Luggage / Striped Beach Towel / Knot Headband / Skinerals Self Tanner / Clear Wedges / Belted One Piece
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*I receive a small commission for purchases made through links in this post.
However, I simply promote the brands and products that I love, and all opinions are my own.*
5 Things
Fashion
Featured
Lifestyle
My evolution of purse carrying is a bit strange. In high school, it wasn't cool to carry backpacks, so I carried ginormous purses that contained my whole life. Flash forward to college where EVERYBODY carried a backpack. I traded in my oversized purses for a Northface backpack (like I was using it for all my hiking trips on the weekends) and a small wallet on my key ring to hold my Student I.D., chapstick, and the few dollar bills I had to my name.
Can't Live Without These 5 Things
Has anybody else noticed that a lot of my blog posts seem to be in list form? And in multiples of 5?? 😂 What can I say...I'm a creature of habit, and 5 has always been my lucky number.
Regardless, the following 5 items are truly things that I use on the reg. I couldn't narrow it down to 4, and I absolutely couldn't think of a 6th one. So, without further ado, the 5 things I can't live without are:
1. Steamer
My sister bought me a mini steamer for Christmas, and my life has never been better. I H.A.T.E. ironing. Like why is that even a thing? It's embarrassing, but when I iron, I usually end up with some sort of burn injury and a still wrinkled garment at the end of it all.
This little steamer is a game changer! It heats up quickly and truly gets the wrinkles out of things right before your eyes. It's perfect for traveling too. Oh, and it's cheap. Score!
Soooooo I'm clearly on my phone a lot. Between "The Gram," taking photos, editing photos, and *ahem* online shopping, ya girl can run down an iPhone battery FAST. This little portable charger, or rather external battery, has saved my butt on so many occasions. It takes a while to actually charge up the battery, but once it's charged, it will last you several days! Best money I've spent in a while.
My cousin taught my how to curl my hair in college, and my life was changed. How many times have I rocked 3rd day curls with half a can of dry shampoo in my hair? The limit does not exist.
My mom bought me a Chi curling iron from TJ Maxx several years ago, and I still use it to this day. Not sure if mine is still on the market, but it rocks, and I'm sure the rest of their products are just as high quality.
I also know that Hot Tools is a great brand to try as well.
I'm sort of new to the self tanner game. I've always loved being tan, and in years past, I've definitely spent too much time in the sun trying to achieve the perfect glow. In an effort to take better care of my skin and still look fierce, I've jumped on the fake bake band wagon this year, and I ain't getting off anytime soon!
Unfortunately, I have a history of sensitive skin. Throughout my life, the weirdest things have set my skin off (yet, I could roll around in a bed of Poison Ivy and nothing would happen...now tell me how that makes sense), and sadly, I've had some bad luck with certain self tanners.
I'm still trying out different brands, but so far this Skinerals Self Tanner has been working for both my skin and my budget. I use these mitts to apply the tanner, and I use these glow pads on my face!
My evolution of purse carrying is a bit strange. In high school, it wasn't cool to carry backpacks, so I carried ginormous purses that contained my whole life. Flash forward to college where EVERYBODY carried a backpack. I traded in my oversized purses for a Northface backpack (like I was using it for all my hiking trips on the weekends) and a small wallet on my key ring to hold my Student I.D., chapstick, and the few dollar bills I had to my name.
Ever since then, I've always kind of enjoyed having some sort of a wristlet option, so that I could carry all my essentials with me relatively easily on the days when I'm not wanting to carry a purse.
This Target wristlet has been my jam over the last few years. Now that I have all this adult crap a few more things to tote around on a daily basis, this wallet is a lifesaver. It has lots of organization and room for everything (including the Dr. Pepper chapstick that I'll never outgrow). The pattern I have is a few years old and no longer available, but they keep coming out with new patterns in the same style each season. And, best of all: it's under $20!
Do you have some everyday essentials that you just can't live without?
Let me know in the comments!
XOXO,
Abby
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Do you have some everyday essentials that you just can't live without?
Let me know in the comments!
XOXO,
Abby
shop the post
*I receive a small commission for purchases made through links in this post.
However, I simply promote the brands and products that I love, and all opinions are my own.*
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