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Leather legging & combat boots: 5 looks I tried

10/18/2020

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Leather leggings are definitely back this fall, and they add just an extra bit of pizazz to any outfit! The ones I bought from Express last year are beautiful, but they do have this strange sagging thing going on in the front, which, not loving it. They also tend to ride down - also a bit of a pain - but I'm not hating them enough to go buy another pair.

That said, I love some looks that are tucked into the leggings in the front, but that just doesn't work with the ones that I own. If you get some really great fitting ones for your body type or even the ones that are more like a jegging (with button front) then that will work great for those shorter top styles! Here are a few options that are on the shelves right now - they are pretty easy to find at most stores!

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​Now with combat boots - as a petite gal I have to be careful with chunky and oversized shoes and clothes - mom jeans, boyfriend blazers and jackets, boxy cut sweaters. I have to not overwhelm my body type and mix and match accordingly.

All that said - I love the combat boot and faux leather legging trend (together and on their own!) so I'm sharing some outfit combos of these fall faves. Note, if for whatever reason you're not really into leather leggings - plain leggings or ponte pants will work nicely into these outfits as well! What makes the leather legging so lovely is really the 'sheen' so it's great for those going-out occasions.
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Three looks:
  1. Simple oversized sweater & combat boots
  2. White tee, neutral cardigan, tan boots (or sneaks!)
  3. White tee, chambray, mules or boots (animal print or anything really)

Not pictured - but flannel looks amazing with these leather leggings too!!

Last, I tried the below combinations but they didn't work with what styles I have in my closet:
  • Striped top and leather jacket (striped top too short and wasn't really digging leather with leather on me personally)
  • Black top and boyfriend blazer - This was actually pretty cute but again, need the right top to make it work with my leather legging fit situation

OK - onto the combat boot! These are actually pretty easy to style. They look great over skinny jeans, leggings, or pair awesome with the mom jean trend, ankle length jeans. I feel like I'm stretching to pull this off because of my height, but I want to wear it so there's that. Ha! Dress it down with a casual crew neck or dress it up with a nice sweater or jacket.
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​Combat boots - add:
  1. Crew neck and jeans
  2. V-neck sweater, Cardigan - any sweater will do ;)

Last - you can try a dress, or skirt+sweater, combo if you're really feeling trendy!

There you have it!

As you can see, you don't need that many pieces to make a nice variety of outfits! Have you jumped on the combat boot or leather legging trend and how are you styling them? Drop a comment below!
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Tell me the truth

10/8/2020

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The other day I heard a song on the radio by Stephanie Gretzginger called “Tell me the Truth.” The song urges a loved one to tell the truth of something they had done – ‘even if it hurts,’ because it’s the only way to rectify things and start healing. Which is a great message and so good! When I heard it though, it made me think of it from a different perspective.
 
Tell me the truth
Even if it hurts me, even if it's ugly
My heart is open
Tell me the truth
Without the self-protection
Love can mend what's broken
In me and you
 
​When I heard it, it made me think – tell me the truth about myself. One area I have grown in personally is in humility, especially because of marriage. My husband can be blunt about speaking the truth into my life. He is honest and up front when I messed up, when I do wrong, when I need to correct something. That’s not fun, but husbands are told to ‘wash their wives with the water of the word.’ (Eph. 5:26). This is a character trait of a Godly husband, and of a true friend!
​However, you can guarantee that pride will resist this “washing.” Something I have learned over time, is that – it’s ok to be wrong. It’s ok to make mistakes. Don’t let pride get in the way of your self-improvement. Be grateful to have someone there who can ‘tell you the truth’ so it’s not on your blind side. Don’t wish for it to be on your blind side (which I did!) because of self-protection but allow the truth to bring things to light, to wash you. “My heart is open, tell me the truth, without the self-protection, love can mend what’s broken…” Let it be an opportunity for you to grow in godliness (2 Peter 1:5-7).
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The struggle of nursing is real, but so is the joy!

2/25/2020

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Today I was thinking, how AMAZING is breastfeeding. I absolutely love being able to nourish my babe and have that bonding experience. But breastfeeding was not always easy, so I wanted to give some advice to any new mama's who have a desire to nurse but might be struggling! After my first week of nursing, I was convinced NO amount of warning could prepare me for the experience (hint- it was painful)!

If you are a mom and breastfeeding came easy for you, that’s awesome! I hope it does come easy for any mom. But if you are in the trenches of the first few months, and it seems impossible – don’t give up! I was told a million times, it does get easier.

​I ended up supplementing with formula for a few weeks, no shame! Then, with some encouragement from my tribe, jumped back in. Despite the pain. Despite the exhaustion. Despite everything – I jumped back in. If you can make it two months, you’ve got it! So hang in there.
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Here are a few tips I learned:

  • If you get tore up, you NEED these nipple covers. They were a life saver in keeping fabric and clothes off! You definitely don’t wanting anything rubbing on you or sticking to you, that’s for sure. Don't go overboard though, just wear them as needed!
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  • It's totally normal for a newborn baby to feed ALL. THE. TIME. It does not necessarily mean that you are not producing enough! I thought something was wrong because my baby was hungry every hour the first month. Take advantage of any lactation services you have near you. I did and it gave affirmation that 1) I was producing enough and 2) that there were no issues with the feeding, my girl just has a super strong suction. Ha!
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She's hungry... again!?
  • When I did supplement, my baby was fine with the Enfamil Gentlease. Similac did not work for her at all. She also loved the MAM bottles. Other bottle nipples she would not take. Every babe is different so you have to find what works for them!
  • Lanolin comes highly recommended, but it did not work for me - in fact it made things worse because everything was kept moist all the time. That's where the Shields came in and really helped me heal faster. However every body is different and that may not be the case for you.

And last – just keep going! You must push through knowing that it does get easier the more that you do it. Talk to your Doc. And once you get through to the other side, it’s a very special and amazing experience waiting for you! All the love to you, mama!
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