ADD Reading (7th ed)

Trying to get every ounce of non-school related reading done before I begin my MA classes in a few short weeks.  These books are kicking my tail (in a good way).

It's hard to read this without tearing up.  A book that helps you soak in what Jesus has done for you and why/how that changes everything.

Shines a spotlight on why we care so much about what people think of us.

A great counseling and discipleship resource.

Haven't actually read this yet but it is next on my list.

I've heard it is extremely encouraging for young moms.

Anyone want to loan it to me? :)

 

Behind the Scenes: "Staycation"

I'm going to give you 5 reasons to make your next vacation a "staycation" where you stay at home but live like you are on vacation.
This past week has been exactly what the doctor ordered for the Turner clan.

Reason #1: You save money on travel (that you can spend on eating out)

Reason #2: Sleeping in your own bed (we slept in every day)

Reason #3:You get the chance to explore your own city (we found new coffee shops, hiking trails, museums, restaurants, etc.)
Reason #4: Extended time at home gives you time to finish little projects that never seem to get done (I'm talking fun projects, not cleaning)
Reason #5: You can savor the people you love without having to rush off to sight-see
(I literally stared at Graham and Dave all week.  They are so cute :)
I bet you can think of some more reasons to try a "staycation" too...

Behind the Scenes: reality

 This past weekend I packed my bags...

 Said goodbye (or cried goodbye) to this little one and the big guy too.

 And went to Orlando for the first ever Gospel Coalition Women's Conference. 

(Ok, I got there a little early for some pool time.  The sessions were, sadly, not held at the pool.)

 The setting was beautiful.

 The 16 sessions I attended were life-altering.

 Had girl talk and deep talks with my sweet mom in law over uninterrupted meals.

 And heard some of my favorite speakers and teachers: Tim Keller, John Piper, Elyse Fitzpatrick and my new favorite Paige Benton Brown.

In some ways I had to come back to reality yesterday but in another way, I just spent 4 days more aware of what "reality" really is.  We think of reality as our everyday life in which we lose sight of the purpose in all that we do.  But soaking for 4 days in who God really is and how that changes everything is more real than anything.  

So I'm hoping to bring reality more deeply into my every day.

I cannot wait to share more with you.  I'm kind of on overload just soaking it in.  

I'm so grateful that God's word is living and active and has the ability to change us from the inside out.  We really are hopeless without that.

All of the sessions will be posted online FOR FREE in a few short weeks so I will let you know when they are up and tell you which sessions you cannot miss.

Behind the Scenes: one way to get in NY times

My man and several of our college students and leadership team are in NY City this week.  They are in the NY Times after the events of today.  Love seeing bold and fearless students.

Read the story here

Behind the Scenes: family photography

You've all seen my Landis Photography button on the sidebar of Simply Chic Mom.

Finally, we had the chance to experience Amy's talent firsthand.

She helped us capture our new home and yard and our squirmy two-year-old.

Here's a sneak peak preview...

Behind the Scenes: Style Consultations

I am so excited to be able to let you behind the scenes of my latest Style Consultation!

Hannah graciously agreed to let the readers of Simply Chic Mom in on her experience last week.

Here we go!

Here is Hannah (on her cute, stylish bed)

We always make sure to have a pen in hand to write down:

* style statement

* outfits we create

* a "wish list" shopping list to be on the lookout for when the price is right

Then we start exploring the closet:

(or really her 30 v-neck tshirts :)

 

I have Hannah show me one of her favorite "go-to" outfits so I can get an idea of her style and help her incorporate pieces that she already owns into the new style statement we develop.

Along the way we discover:

 Many pairs of Toms

 

And even more running shoes!

 

A hardly worn hat that must be incorporated into her style because it looks fabulous!

 

See what I mean? 

 

A need for a few jewelry updates 

We start by helping her create outfits with the pieces in her wardrobe that she already loves.

 

We tackle some "hard to wear" items and figure out how she can wear them comfortably.

 

For example: color-blocking with these pants.

 

As we go along, we start making a shopping list for items that would complete the outfits she owns.

For Hannah, some of these included:

*A royal blue blazer for color blocking

*More prints- preferably floral to give her look more femininity

*Some neutral gold and silver jewelry

 

We even did some online shopping exploration to help her get an idea of where she could look for these items. 

 

By the end we had a style statement for Hannah: "classy hipster"

Sounds like an oxymoron but she's got just enough class and just enough funk to own the statement.

Contact me at simplychicmom@gmail.com to schedule your Style Consultation

Behind the Scenes: Christ is better