How do you do...what you do?

A few days ago I begged your pardon for the lack of posts.

My reasoning was behind the fact that I hate blogging on my ipad. Now that thankfully I have my laptop back it got me wondering how all of my blogging idols do their thing??


Are you an

 

or a

then of course there's the

 

 or the perpetual

The clean desk approach works best for me but if I'm honest I usually just end up somewhere like this after my kids go to bed

So what works best for you?? I would love some feedback and blogging tips. Im looking to get into a much smoother routine. Can ya help a gal out??

xO- Etheline

Currently Craving:: Tory Burch

Growing up the other kids wouldn't have called me a fashionista.

EVER..

Honestly, you wouldn't call me one today either, but as I'm the downward slope of my 20's and a mother of three, I've really started to come into my own womanly style. Most importantly I've realized that quality will win over quantity every time and that I don't have to be wealthy to dress like I want.

Even if things are out of my price range, waiting allows me to exercise my patience muscle {as if  it doesn't get enough of a workout on a daily basis} because in the end it's well worth it.

Kate Spade and Tory Burch are my two favorite designers right now. And while I love Kate Spade, I'm just not as on board with the whole color blocking boom right now. That is, as much as I'm in love with all the tweed, burgundy, and military/over-sized coats that Tory Burch's Fall Look Book is dripping with.

Plus-- girls from Philly and I gotta represent!!

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So today I wanted to share a few of my favorite noteworthy tips for the upcoming season.

And from her lips to our ears::

1. Deep emerald green is a fall favorite. You can pair it with black, navy, and creams. It is also great for all skin tones.

2. Coats aren't just for outside anymore. By adding a belt you can pull together any look, and keeping it polished and sophisticated.

 

3. Want to know the perfect match for a prim and proper tweed jacket? Go for your favorite pair of skinny jeans hanging in your closet. {yes-- to answer your question I hang up my jeans...lol}  If you are really feeling brave this fall take your look to the next level with a coated jean or colored denim.

  4. Reds are everywhere this season...burgundy, bordeaux, wine, scarlet-- take your pick and incorporate it into your fall pallet...STAR! {This is my personal favorite seeing as how I am a red head and can't wear "red, red" well. Burgundy, however,  is deep enough to not clash with my fair complexion}

5. This fall...fall in love all over again with the classic pointy toe.

6. Grab a patent leather skirt off the rack at your favorite local department store or boutique. This slimming piece will help elongate your legs for a striking silhouette.

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And because I couldn't resist--

A few of my personal faves:

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Man Tory,  you sure know your way to the fashion corner of this girls heart<3

So, have your broken into your fall wardrobe yet?

What are some of your favorite stlyes for this season-- Don't be shy-- share them below:)

xO- Etheline

Word To Live By

One of the greatest things about my relationship with Royal is we hardly ever argue. We have a few spats here and here and the occasional doosey every other year or so, but generally we get along like peanut butter and jelly.

If you could peek through your computer screens you would see me nodding my head in agreement with this old woman. I love the sentiment that she expresses. I was born in 1985, many years into her 65 year marriage but I too believe in hard work and family values. To try harder when it seems impossible and not give up when adversity finds your door. I believe that these principals are essential to keeping the balance in this fast paced ever changing world in which we live in. As well as the keys to raising wholesome and respectable children and there is nothing more in the world that I{we} hope to achieve with my 3 little ones.

Don't give up. Live simple. Share your dreams and live them with the one you love.

xO- Etheline

Words To Live By

I love this quote for the simple fact that if you aren't indeed in love with your life you have the ability to makes changes, small or radical it doens't matter. If there is a detail that is poking you or just plain failing- change it. 

We should all be in love with our own lives. Not other peoples. Focusing on ourselves may be difficult to do, but once the prognosis is determined we can than make a plan to move forward with accomplishing what we want from life. 

So take a few minutes to evaluate. Are we all where we want to be? 

My life is a constant work in progress, but I really wouldn't have it any other way:)

xO- Etheline

Words To Live By

Let me just start out by saying this is in no way a reflection of life currently in Georgia, but I heard this quote by Winston Churchill the other day and I just loved it. 

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I, in my life from time to time, have fallen into the hell that occasionally is partnered with this life. And while I whole heatedly believe in prayer and faith in God to help you get through the trials of life there is also the lover of post hardcore music and long boarding side of me that needs that kick in the butt via words to keep going. To keep moving forward.

 It is my hope that if you find yourselves stuck in the depths of the darkness know that it is not a place that you have to set up shop and stay. Keep going, there is an end, even if it's not yet in sight.

 xO-Etheline

Words To Live By

Some days confusion gets the best of me. Thankfully I realized today after many tears that I need to be less wishy washy and instead be more firm, concise, and confident in my choices. That when I do this, when we do this, we are blessed with peace.

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Do not be afraid to submit to the tears; there is healing in them. Do not be afraid to work hard; sweat and pain is weakness leaving the body. Do not be afraid of the ocean; it's magical.

xO- Etheline

{Why Not}....surround yourself with positivity??

A few weeks ago I highlighted a few of my new favorite blogs. They really are all amazing blogs, however, The Simply Luxurious Life constantly wins my attention.

Shannon's {Why Not...} series is by far my favorite. She has amazing fashion and home decor tips sprinkled throughout her site, but when a why not question is asked I can't help but ask my self, seriously...why not? They are always questions that are for me, personally, thought provoking as well as classy. Never questions such as Why not eat at a BBQ pit or Why not exchange all your singles at the bank for $2 bills?  Because that would just be silly.

In the past year I have been focusing on my non resolution, resolution of weeding out things in my life that don't invoke empowering thoughts and good habits to incorporate into my life. I am happy to find that The Simply Luxurious Life is a staple that is aiding me on this quest.

Sneak Peak of a few of my favorite why not's::

 

Why not....Be discreet?

"The epitome of a chic classy modern lady is her ability to always be mysterious which due to this behavior provokes even more curiosity in those that are around her..." {if you are looking for tips on how to guard you and your family look know further}

 

Why not....Create a Healthy Social Circle?

"A few weeks ago I received an email from a reader seeking advice on how to gracefully let go of friendships that were no longer a positive influence. And while I have said before on the blog to surround yourself with uplifting and inspiring people that ultimately cause you to become your best self, I’ve never addressed the specifics on how to handle those relationships that while in your life currently, are depleting and destructive and need to be let loose." {via The Simply Luxurious Life}

 

 Why not....Revel in Being a Woman?

" No4. Be a positive role model for younger generations. Young girls look up to their mothers, aunts, grandmothers and other women they come into contact with. Demonstrate with your actions and how you live your life that the life ahead of them is theirs to create." {Check out the rest of the tips here}

 

Why not....Work Hard?

"By putting forth our best effort and prompting others around us  (our children, students, friends, etc) to do the same – not enabling each other, we are fostering self-confidence. Self-confidence is something that each individual must find within themselves through their own hard work, overcoming obstacles and feeling the doubt, yet overcoming it. And self-confidence, as we all know, is a sound path on the road toward happiness or more importantly, true contentment." {find more benefits here}


Shannon has written more than her fair share of Why Not articles. I encourage you to check them out, for her ability to share intelligent intellect is far greater than I. We are all searching for things in life; tips, tricks, or trades that will help the life we see in our heads come to life. I hope that in sharing with my friends you to can find these and other classic tips helpful. Be sure to sound off below in the comments and tell me your favorite Why Not.

xO- Etheline

Words To Live By

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I need to listen to my own advice.

The End.

xO-Etheline

a little bit of me

We had the Sister Missionaries over for dinner last night. It was loads of fun. I whipped up a pot of taco soup which was delicious, yet probably a silly idea since it was 88 degrees outside. After some healthy conversation that was centered around the east coast being far superior to the west coast, we ate, and then the sisters shared this video with us. You can find visit Mormon.org to hear about other people stories and a very easy to understand breakdown of what we as Mormons believe. You can even request a Book of Mormon or chat online with a missionary with any question you may have. 



This video really hit home with me. Forgiveness is something that has been on my mind as of late. I've always grasped the concept that when we sin we have the power to ask for God to forgive us. And I know it is my job to forgive others when I am wronged, no matter what the circumstance, no matter how hard. What I seem to always forget, is to forgive myself. I don't always feel that I have made up for the wrong that I've done. It is so easy to be so hard on ones self. One of the steps of repentance is to make amends, sometimes that means with yourself. A few weeks ago I had a marvelous experience that allowed me to realize this, and that in order to put the past behind me and move on I need to forgive myself. This will allow me {and you} to be healed fully as the repentance process is near completion.

It is a wonderful that God has given us. We have had the power to choose, as well as the power to plead for his forgiveness when we falter. I hope that each of us can find it in out hearts to allow the principle of forgiveness to work in our lives.

xO-Etheline.

Words to Live By

Have you read  How to Win Friends and Influence People ?? It' filled with little nuggets of wisdom like this one... 

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One thing I love about reading is that you can come across passages that really can change your life; if you let them. That if it hadn't been written it never would have had the chance to make your life better. It's amazing. This particular quote really stuck out to me because sometimes I struggle with making friends, yet it's in my nature to be somewhat of a social butterfly. Quite the conflicting conundrum. I've always thought maybe I have to strong of a personality and people get tired of me. I wasn't sure what the deal was. When I read this I decided to take a harsh look at myself in the mirror. I thought, maybe I'm to focused on myself and not with others well being. This was not a good mirror staring session, but facing realities about yourself that may not be flattering never is. The good is coming out on the other side of the rabbit hole. To realize how to fix the problem and move forward in faith to fix it. My new goal for this month is to make 2 new friends. To help them grow and be able to share their same interests. Off I go-- today is day 1.

Have you read this book? Have you put similar ideas into practice? Tell me about-- Tell me I'm not a lost cause..lol

xO- Etheline

all by myself

This post is all about misdirection today. Here, let me show you...

This is me {no, not really} as I'm sitting here on my typewriter laptop drumming my fingers on the keys trying to figure out a way to navigate today's post. I'm getting no where fast, I'll tell you this much. 

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Life is indescribably hectic right now for our family of 5. Exciting, but hectic. We have tons of possibilities popping up at every corner {thank you Heavenly Father} but this doesn't make things easier necessarily. The worst part is:: I have to keep a lid on it all. I hate secrets, folks! Hate!! I can't spill any of these amazing things right now and it's killing me. I feel like a kid who is bouncing up and down and at any second could burst and let the cat out of the bag.

So until I can spill I have instead decided to keep myself preoccupied with things like this-- 

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and this....

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Well Audrey here has read my mind I'm gonna scoot before I spill the beans. Don't worry though-- you won't be in the dark forever friends. As soon as we have something concrete the flood gate will be lowered! Trust!!

-xO- Etheline

Words To Live By

I'm keeping my Words To Live By simple today friends.

 

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Sometimes I find the old adage less is more really is the best way to get a message across. And so I leave this message that I find great comfort in with you today. I love it! I want to just slap it on a canvas and put it up in my office; if I had an office. Happy Tuesday:)

xO-Etheline 

In Memoriam

Happy Memorial Day my American friends!!

This Memorial Day is a wee bit different for us. If at home I'd be gearing up for BBQ and wearing shorts and flip flops that mirrored the above picture. Instead Royal and I are going horseback riding, you heard me, horse back riding. The 7 year old little girl in me is crazed with excitement. Yes, I was one of those little girls who adored horses, but only rode a pony around a circle once. {lol} Tomorrow though all of her dreams will be coming true! Isn't Royal the best??

Moving On...

Even though we are experiencing life in a new way doesn't mean that we forget who we are. {Patriots!! Yes we are from New England} Tomorrow is a day to remember all those who have fought valiantly for our freedoms. It's a time to share stories of my pop-pop who served in the Korean War with my kiddos. I love the memories I have of this man and cannot wait to tell some of my great memories of him.I was lucky enough that he did not have to give his life, but I know others through out the many decades of our country's short life have not been so lucky.

It is my sincere hope that we can, amongst all the fun, take a moment of pause today and observe a moment of silence with our friends and loved ones to remember the brave men and women who have served fiercely for these United States. For our home.

xO- Etheline

A Few of My Favorite Things: Blogs

As stated in my last post I have been trying to weed out the things in my life that take away more than add. This is especially true for my blog reading cause, boy can I ever get sucked in. I can have 20 tabs open if I'm not careful; just exploring new blogs. Let's be fair though-- visiting and commenting on new blogs can be fun and even good for your own blog. For myself I have come up with a few simple ways to help me decide if they are a keeper of if I'll throw them back into the sea that is the world wide web.

Tips on Keeping You Blog Roll Simple: 

 - Chances are if you fall in love with one, you'll fall in love with their sponsor! Beware. This is how I got hooked the last time..lol That being said it's how I have found some of the best blogs that I feel cater to my life at this time, so go me!!

- Once I found one that has convinced me that we were friends in a past life, or something equally as embarrassing I save them to my bookmarks banner. Easy access ya know.

- If after commenting on a few of their posts and they are sweet enough to take the time and visit mine and comment as well...Well, duh, they are officially a keeper.

- This last tip is the easiest one-- if they keep you coming back for more, give up. You are hooked my friend. Like a fish on a line! I usually give them about a week to a week and a half depending on how frequently they post.

Current Top 5 Favorite Blogs: 

 1.

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  La Famille is all about...family. Alicia is a mother of 3 and home school super hero! She posts about life, family, and has the best sense of humor! She runs a great Etsy shop and once you learn about The Happy Day Project you will return not once or twice, but dozens of times. {Is my hook showing?}

 

2.

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The Simply Luxurious Life is one of my most recent obsessions. Shannon runs a clean site filled with great photos {thank you pinterest}, but more importantly great words. Her posts always stay with me throughout the remainder of the day as they are smart, practical, and forward thinking. Her "Why Not..." series is my absolute favorite.They include questions from Why not....stop competing with others, to Why not...Invest in your dreams? Great stuff, really!

3.

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So TJ runs this blog and when you stop by you will know why His Little Lady is on the list. She is a Peeta fan and in my book, well that's just enough. Her little notes are so cute and always levels with her readers. I love that! Her readers are loyal gals...we are talking upwards of 70 comments daily. {oi!} And she's nice enough to stop by Her Eclectic Life and leave some love. Awesome!

4.

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Brunch at Saks? Yes please? Who wants to meet me? This fun lifestyle blog is run by Annemarie out in LA. She focuses mainly on fashion, home decor, and entertainment....just a few of my favorite things. You wouldn't believe some of the things she finds or the people she meets. Guess that's Hollywood for ya. I wouldn't know though, I'm an east coast gal!!

5.

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Reviving the charming arts of Etiquette. I absolutely adore this! I mean the whole things really just sounds like a reading a book while floating on a cloud or something. Honestly though...in a world that gets to wrapped up in technology I think sometimes we forget how to interact with others, let alone properly. Anastasia provides excellent tips to help with this. She also does great old Hollywood celeb spotlights that I just can't get enough of  as well as a "best dressed of the week" poll for fashion which is fun if you are into that kind of thing. Which; I am.

Well that about raps it up here for this edition of A Few of My Favorite Things. I hope you take a peek at some of these blogs. I promise you won't regret it. These women provide me with great inspiration for my life and I hope they will do the same for you. So thanks. What are some of your favorite blogs that you read all the time. Share them with me in the comments section so I can check them out too.

xO- Etheline

{I should also mention if any photos have been used in an unpleasing manner I apologize. Let me know and I will remove them immediately. I'm still very much trying to get the hang of this all. Thanks in advance for understanding}

Words to Live by

Even though I have as much in common with the great DVF, as a polar bear to a tanning bed, I couldn't agree with her words more. 

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In the last year or so I have been focusing on minimizing my life and being there in the everyday special moments with my husband and kids. I have learned that to keep order in my home I can no longer allow myself to be pulled into so many directions. It just leaves sad children, a messy home, and an unhappy mama. Instead I have been able to weed out all the things I like to do and just keep the things that actually help my family and bring me the most joy around. They are three things; home school, reading, and writing. I cant express the joy that has been present in my life with making these choices. Some women can do it all, all the time. I my friends, am simply not one of them, and that's okay with me. I am coming into the women I have always wanted to be. I have started to be able to make out that balance that has in the past always been blurry, but is now coming into focus. And I like what I see.

What have you always wanted to be??

xO-Etheline

Words To Live By

Over the weekend I was followed around by a metaphorical, as well as literal dark cloud, that taunted me with a torrential down poor at any possible moment. And therein was the excuse I needed to let the major chip on my shoulder loose on whomever or whatever I pleased. I knew I was being terribly irrational and cold to loved ones as well as perfect strangers, but I felt like I had hit my first wall since we had left home. It had been a little over two weeks since we arrived in Colombia and the romance of a new language had fizzled out for. Instead I found myself angry that I couldn't communicate beyond a "Hello, how are you?" I was tired of it being cold and rainy, and my never ending supply of patience with my kids was running low. Royal decided to come down with a gnarly cold and share it with Margot, and when she is sick...she flips her switch and becomes something similar to a raging little lamb! So we have been hulled up in our tiny apartment for what is turning into a long weekend and everyone is beginning to show symptoms of cabin fever.

During the minutes I was experiencing these hardships I wanted to cry to someone about how horrible life was, because at that moment I was so blinded by what I was feeling that I thought the sun would never reappear.

When I woke up this morning after being up with Margot for 3.5-4 hours last night I was expecting to be irritable and tired. To my most happy surprise though I felt well rested and chipper. I came down with the kids at 7am and made pancakes for everyone while Royal slept upstairs.

Words To Love By" border="0">

While I was flipping pancakes I couldn't help but remember this quote I found a few weeks ago because you see I was acting ridiculous. Even though it wasn't the greatest of weekends of my entire life it forced me to stop and take a step back. I needed to look at the whole picture so that I could realize that I am truly blessed. My family is all healthy and we are traveling this great world. My husband and I had the means for him to quite his job and still be able to take care of all out other responsibilities. I get to spend every day for the next {at least 6 months} with my husband without anyone or anything getting in the way. How flippin' lucky am I??!?!

I'm so grateful for words like these that happily break into my thoughts when I'm in a rut of feeling sorry for myself. A real "pick yourself up by your bootstraps" kinda quote. So this week let's all try to shake off the negative we are thrown up against and focus on things we do have and are blessed with. Who's with me??

Happy Tuesday Friends--

xO- Etheline

Words To Live By

I am a collector of sorts.

I am a lover of words.

What better way to celebrate each passion than a new weekly edition called, "Words to live by"

And what could be more appropriate for me than this::




A little background info:
When I was a junior in high school I had this amazing English teacher. He was younger which immediately broke the mold of the boring ladies in their 60's that made up the rest of the department. He was a chameleon of sorts; teacher by day, surfer by weekend. There was a little bit of him that related to every kind of kid that passed through his class, from loner to athlete.

We had this book we'd write in and at the end of every week he'd take it and gives us notes. I appreciated it, even then. My last day in his class I got my final feedback from him. It was a letter I still re-read from time to time that I am still learning from these 10 years later. After he closed he said, "remember not all who wander are lost."

Lately in my life, as you can imagine, this phrase has aided me in finding the courage to radically change my life.

What teacher in high school impacted your life?

xO- Etheline

In which the light bulb clicks on

I try to keep my kids stuff as organized as possible, but let's be honest, they don't always cooperate. Richie loves to pull Chas's clothes off the hangers, but never his own. I worry what this all means sometimes late at night. {lol}

I found a useful notion from a blog I use to frequent about organization and it went along these lines;

"If the solution you haven't found isn't working,

don't kill yourself to change and make it work. Change up

the solution. Find something that works for you."

It was like that infamous light bulb went of in my head, one of the 100 watt babies, and I couldn't help thinking, "that makes total sense." And so as I go about my life I try to always remember this little secret. Now mind you, that's not to say that I try 17 1/2 things before I finally find what works for me. That would be silly and who has the time for that.

My point is that even if you think- That is brilliant and will totally work for my family, and 3 weeks, 8 months, or 6 hours later you realize how wrong you were; don't worry about it. Find a new solution.

This is what happened with Chas's ties. No matter what I tried they always ended up on the floor in his closet, or other places that I will not be mentioning. Then I had what can only be descibed as a brilliant, beyond brilliant idea. Why not decorate with them? And that's exactly what I did.

It's simple, yes, but great solutions don't always have to be elaborate. Feel free to jazz up your of course:) Now he can pick a tie when he needs it and actually have a place to hang it back up when he is finished.

xO- Etheline