my favorite store in the whole wide world

{Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come.}
Revelation


After months and months of waiting, I finally was able to go and get my license!  After achieving the fearsome task of doing the driving test {not to mention with a stuffy officer in the passanger seat}, I headed straight for my favorite store!  Goodwill. Goodwill. Goodwill.  I must admit I spent half my measly paycheck in that glorious store! I came out with 11 great pieces for a mear $43.  I don't know about you, but this is the only store I can get that many items for such a small price! 


Goodwill is a great store to find basic and vintage clothes in.  This is why i have to say it is "my favorite store in the whole wide world."  Even though many see it as a low end store used for doanting to the poor or getting a tax-write-off, i like to view it as my own unique boutique.  Over half my closet is stocked with goods from there and I am proud to say that I've gotten designer brands on the cheap!  So step inside your local Goodwill...you never know what you'll discover beneath the grandma sweaters and ragged t-shirts!


Here is a sneak peak at some of my finds:
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California Lovin'

   {"For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods."}
   - Matthew 25:14 KJV
I've taken some time away from the blog to finish exams and then go on vacation.  While my exams were stressful and time consuming, I'm glad i was able to pass them and soon will be starting my junior year! I'm nervous but very excited none-the-less.  Classes will be harder and my extra curricular activities will be crazier than ever, but I'm ready to take the challenge that lies before me!


These past months have been filled with lazy days and summer vacays.  While I've only been to the beach and a few day outings, I did however get to go with a school group to California for a medical conference.  The atmosphere, energy, clothing, and overall appeal was wonderful! Although it was quite different than I had anticipated, it was still beautiful and inspiring. Below I have posted a couple of site seeing photos.  I hope you enjoy!  


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{Airplane row - our flight was full!}
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{the view across from our hotel}
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{The cheesecake factory was to die for! Godiva Chocolate cheesecake = yummie!}
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{The one picture i had taken of myself}
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{You can't go to California without visiting Hollister!}
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{Mango smoothie after singing karaoke}

silver, bergundy, and a sprinkle of yellow

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                         {God remembers those who suffer; he does not forget their cry} - Psalm 9:12


I was so excited to learn how to tie this belt! I've had it for whoknows how long and finally...with the help of dwelling and telling's tutorial on scarfs and belts, I did it!  I also tried tying my scarf one of the ways she showed how to.  Overall, love this outfit and frankly wished I could come-up with more ingenius outfits as this (in my opinion)!  I love how it's very eye-catching but relaxed at the same time.  What do you think about this?


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{Wearing: American Eagle sweater, goodwilled F21 sweater vest (worn as shirt), Hollister jeans, F21 accessories}

Shine

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{In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven} - Matthew 5:16


Yes, I know I may seem dumb, but today is all about shining.  The sermon at church today was about being fruitful and sharing your spiritual gifts.  I think many of us tend to not use those gifts or either we don't know what they are.  I know I am still searching for mine, but I did realize that I want to make my actions shine for Christ.  Our preacher was emphasising the fact that you and only you will be responsible for your actions when God comes back.  


Also today, I found a wonderful blog thats dedicated "shine".  I'm just beginning reading it and I already love her compassion for others and her almost daily challenges that can give you a little pick-me-up.  So, go check her out over at The Shine Project.


And on a final note, I was listening to K-Love today {a contemporary christian radio station if you've ever heard of it} and they annonced the David Crowder Band's new music video to SMS: Shine.   This is the cutest and just simply amazing video I think I've ever seen! The graphics are not computerized; over 700,00 (that's right!) bright LED pegs were used to make the animations on a LITE-BRITE.  Amazing right? I told you.
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               {Wearing: Red Camel sweater dress, gifted scarf, HUE tights, Rocketdog wedges, F21 belt}

where have I been?

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{If he sins against you seven times in the day, and seven times returns, saying, ‘I repent,’ you shall forgive him.}  - Luke 17:4


Excuseee meee! I'm sorry for the lack of posts recently.  Our family computer suffered a bit of a problem and is being worked on currently.  So for now, yall will just have to bear with me!  Today, I decided to go with a New York cab look, as you can see with the bright pop of yellow. 


These black pants are a debut on the blog...scored at the local goodwill, I'm proudly sporting my Ann Loft's today!  Also, some of you may know a jewelry designer that I love...Betsey Johnson (Betseyville).  Her pieces are so unique and I love them.  Today, I'm showcasing a set I was given for christmas.. 


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{Wearing: Liz Claiborne blouse (goodwill), Ann Loft pants (goodwill), F21 scarf, Betseyville jewelry}

Camera happy

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                                                  {"God pursues me...will I pursue him?"}
                                                               - our preacher

Excuse me know for the load up on pictures! Today, I decided to play around with my camera.  The sun was beautiful outside and I couldn't resist going out there to take pictures.  I tried to do a couple of different backgrounds and lighting but I never could quite get a good picture.  Alot of these are blurry because of my tripod and the wind..sorry! I would love for any suggestions on outdoor pictures.  Thanks!

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        {Wearing: Delias dress (goodwill), coverup via belk, belt unknown, Rampage heels}

Today, I bring you my first outside post!

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      {But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.} - Psalm 86:15

It may not seem like much, but today is my very first outside post!  Since beginning my blog, i've been contained to my room because its been freezing outdoors.  I've been dying to try out my camera outside because i've seen so many other blogs with beautiful pictures.  I think the background makes the outfit look much more interesting and not just standing infront of a camera! So what do you think? Any tips?
I decide to wear this outfit today because the sun was shinning bright and it was so warm..i'm talking 50's.  This adorable romper was my score at a end of season sale last year.  I love the ridiculously wide legs (the boyfriend thinks of them as elephant legs). 


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{Wearing: romper via belk, delias jacket, F21 belt/earrings, Hue tights, Rugged wearhouse heels}