Good Girl Style

Warby Parker Fall Collection 2020 + Blue Light Filtering Lenses

2020-10-10T09:14:00.000-07:00

**I was compensated for this post. This post also contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

If you haven't purchased blue-light filtering lenses yet, NOW is the time. With so many of us working from home more and staring at the computer more, blue-light filtering lenses are no longer just a good idea, they're a necessity. The last two pairs of glasses I've purchased have had blue-light-filtering coating, since I work from home and stare at my computer at least 8 hours a day.

Warby Parker is the place to go for not only the coolest frames, but blue-light filtering coatings. I LOVE how Warby Parker offers new collections each season, featuring old favorites, new cool styles, and great new colors. It's the way to always have someone saying over Zoom, "I love your glasses!" and you can say, "Thanks! Warby Parker and they're blue-light filtering too!" Learn more about Warby Parker's blue-light filtering lenses here.

I was scared into getting blue-light filtering glasses when a co-worker of mine, my own age (30 at the time), went to the eye doctor expecting a regular check-up and came back scared to death, having been told she had the eye health of someone three times her age, and that it was likely from staring at the computer all day.

The best part is, Warby Parker can put the blue-light filtering coating on ANY style (or lens...even progressives!) you choose! And their new Fall 2020 collection is fantastic. My FAVORITE is the "Shea" Warby Parker eyeglass frame in Peacock Green....

To die for, right? Love that little sweet cat eye and that COLOR.

How much are we LOVING this lighter celadon green, as Warby Parker calls it, "Rosemary Crystal" (sounds like a book title to me...a mystery!). in the WRIGHT frame...it's just right!

And let's talk sunglasses for a second. I am DYING over these perfectly-rounded-rectangle Warby Parker sunglasses called Lila...

Here's Lila in Marzipan Tortoise and Griffin in Pacific Crystal.

Even now, Warby Parker is still offering their home try-on, so you don't need to leave your home or GUESS what frames will fit your face and style. Don't worry, they are keeping things super sanitized. But if you don't feel like taking advantage of that program, and have an iPhone X or newer, try their app that allows you to try Warby Parker's latest frames on virtually.

I'm adding these to my Try-On box RIGHT NOW.

What are you waiting for? NOW is the time to give Warby Parker's Home Try-On program a try!

Natalie

**I was compensated for this post. This post also contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

Freelancers Rejoice!

2019-06-10T07:34:00.002-07:00

This is an affiliate-sponsored post. I may also receive a small commission if you click on one of these links, at no additional cost to you. These help keep my blog up and running. Thank you!

I've shared my love of Freshbooks before, but they have a fantastic new feature that makes their service even more valuable to freelancers. I'll tell you more about that in a minute.

What is Freshbooks? It's an invoicing and accounting software for anyone who routinely sends invoices (like myself, for my freelance writing/photography/styling) or tracks expenses and/or time for clients. Sure, you could make an invoice template yourself and track everything yourself. Why waste that much time? Why bury your head in a spreadsheet for hours at a time? Sure, you can send invoices through PayPal, but is that really professional? I love Freshbooks for so many reasons, but the first is that the invoices look top-notch professional, and are easily trackable. You can even track your time to add to the invoice IN Freshbooks itself. You can even take credit card payments directly through the email invoice...and clients who can pay by credit card tend to pay MUCH faster (Freshbooks says 11 days faster...that's more than 2 business weeks!). Can you automate this? Yes.

When it comes to tracking expenses, Freshbooks couldn't make it any easier for you. Use your phone to snap a photo of a receipt, log it, and it stores it in the cloud until tax time for you (which they make SO easy). You can even mark certain receipts as billable to certain clients or projects. Can you import bank transactions to make logging credit card purchases more efficient? YES. Can you bill a client in a different currency? YES. Freshbooks makes it all so easy, you guys.

All of your double-entry accounting needs are covered, too, so you don't need Freshbooks plus another app or software. You can keep all your P&Ls, COGs, CAs, BSs (that's Balance Sheets ;)), and you can even give your accountant direct access come tax time.

So now that you're already sold, let me just put a little cherry on top for you. Freshbooks just released a new feature: Retainers! No, not the kind you put in your mouth. Here's what Freshbooks can do for you with retainers: "- Collect recurring client payments in advance, track hours against the allotted time, forecast monthly income, effectively manage project progress and avoid scope creep, set clear expectations with clients, and streamline invoicing." Your life just got even easier.

Sign up for Freshbooks here!

Learn how to create an invoice that gets you paid fast here!

For more of my favorite resources for bloggers and freelancers, click here!

NEW Warby Parker Frame Home Try-On

2019-01-25T11:47:00.001-08:00

This post contains affiliate links :)

Have you tried Warby Parker's Home Try-On service? It's FREE (you do need to add a credit card juuuuust in case you don't return them on time), and you get to choose 5 frames, sent to your house, to try on. I cannot even tell you how important this is in the world of buying glasses online. I've bought many frames online, as well as many in-store, and there is nothing like being able to try a frame on, to feel it, to see how it molds to your face. Dimensions online are all good and well, but it's hard to know how those dimensions match up on YOUR face. Even uploading a picture of yourself so they can superimpose the frame on your face is not a great option.

Every few seasons I order a box from Warby Parker and show you the frames, to give you an idea of how they look on a real person, with a heart-shaped face, brown hair, green eyes, and 80 million layers because it's January in New England. This time, the frames I chose were: Welty (Whiskey Tortoise), Rosemary (Rose Crystal), Sims (Petal Tortoise), Millie (Birch Tortoise), and Turner (Chestnut Crystal). Without further ado...

Welty in Whiskey Tortoise

Rosemary in Rose Crystal

This frame they sent me was very crooked, so I had to tilt my face differently to get it to look sort of normal ;) It looks like this frame may not currently be available in the petal color.

Sims in Petal Tortoise

Millie in Birch Tortoise

Turner in Chestnut Crystal

I actually like ALL of them, which is unusual for me. I think my favorites are the Rosemary Rose Crystal and the Turner in Chestnut Crystal. The crystal ones seem to be the winners this time around! Which makes me happy, because I've had my fair share of dark, heavy frames lately. I wasn't interested in trying any of the wire-framed ones quite yet...they're still a bit too hipster for me, and besides, I had ones very similar to those during all of my elementary school years, and I'm not sure I'm ready to relive those, ha.

Which do you like better for me? Do you have any of these frames? I'd love to know your thoughts in the comments!

Don't forget to order your own FREE at-home try-on box from Warby Parker...you'll love it!

Natalie

All Married Up

2018-06-15T09:17:00.002-07:00

Your Good Girl Style guide, Natalie, is now all married up! And I do mean married UP, since my new husband (!!!!!!) is quite the catch, and I could not be happier or more blessed to be his WIFE! The wedding was everything I wanted it to be and more...it was such a FUN day! No one told me how fun it is to get married :) I'll share our wedding photos just as soon as we get them back; in the meantime, here's one of my favorites from our engagement shoot. We are walking perfectly in step. And this was a genuine moment...it was the end of the shoot and we were walking back to the car, and I was freezing, so he put his arma round me to keep me warm!

50 Things to Do When You're Sad and Lonely

2017-06-18T06:53:00.001-07:00

I saw an article on Facebook the other day that said June is the month when the most breakups happen. And two days later I got dumped. Big time.

I've had my share of heartbreak, or more than. And I'm going through it again right now. My boyfriend of almost-a-year broke up with me a week ago today. So this is for me, just as much as it is for you...things I've learned in past heartbreaks and things I'm learning now that help ease the pain a little bit.

There's no way to erase the pain of feeling sad and lonely. There just isn't. Trust me, I sure wish my Mr. Clean Magic Eraser worked on life. But these things help refocus you, redirect your heart, help you laugh, leave things behind, and learn to do life better on your own.

See a breakup takes things from you. It just does. It takes your self-esteem and self-confidence. It takes your sense of security. It takes away a circle of influence and friends (his family, his friends, things you did together). It takes away the things that filled your time (evening walks, television shows you watched together, plans you probably still have for future dates that make you incredibly sad). My boyfriend and I had all sorts of summer plans, both firm and loose. The friend's wedding in Maine (firm). Going to watch a Little League baseball game at the ball field down the street (loose). Going camping!!!! (loose) The vintage camper rally (firm).

These things won't be happening. But the things below? The things below will. The things below are firm plans. I WILL do them, my heart MUST do them, my summer will not be torn apart by a man who doesn't want me, doesn't love me. How dare he, I say. How dare he decide he doesn't love me. And then I say...yes, actually, I'm glad he dared. I'm glad he did because I loved him, but I do not want a man who doesn't love me back. I deserve more than that. So do you.

These things give life back to you. They give love back to you. Take heart, dear one...you might be sad, and you might be lonely, but you are no unloved or unworthy. Never.

I painted this and it's taped by the lightswitch on my way out the front door

"But listen to me. For one moment quit being sad. Hear blessings dropping their blossoms around you."

~Rumi

1.) Buy Happy Pretty Messy (read, review on Amazon ;))

2.) Try your hand at baking macarons.

3.) Change the sheets. It always makes you feel better. If you have some money to splurge, get a pair of Egyptian cotton sheets. You'll feel like a princess.

4.) Throw away his toothbrush. Or use it to scrub your dirtiest bathroom grout and THEN throw it away. That's what it's good for, and what it deserves.

5.) Have a tag sale. Sell all of the things that remind you of him, clear out clutter, make a few extra bucks, talk to some people, and it keeps you busy on a Saturday morning.

6.) Try blue mascara. It's fun, I like it, and it's $3. See if anyone notices. He certainly wouldn't have.

7.) Watch the Bridget Jones' Diary trilogy and cry your heart out.

My poetry in a German literary magazine

8.) Write some poetry. About how horrible he was.

9.) Clean out the kitchen cupboards.

10.) Clean behind the refrigerator.

11.) Watch this video.

12.) Blast "I Will Survive" and dance your heart out.

13.) Host a tea party.

Me and my Grandma, one of my biggest fans!

14.) Call your mom, dad, grandma, aunt, uncle...call your loved ones. Hear their voices.

15.) Go to the water. Whatever water you can get. In order of preference Ocean>Lake>Pond>Bath>Shower

16.) Send postcards to a few family and friends. They're a novelty item now.

17.) Buy new, ridiculously soft, incredibly fluffy towels.

18.) Drink a cup of tulsi tea. It reduces stress and balances mood. I'm drinking one right now as I write this.

19.) Get a hot water bottle if you don't have one. I highly suggest heart-shaped! I can't survive without mine for snuggles.

20.) Invest in a weighted blanket that helps you feel like you're being hugged. It reduces anxiety and stress.

21.) Spend an afternoon volunteering at the local pregnancy center, food pantry, women's shelter, career help center, Boys & Girls club, Habitat for Humanity, United Way, animal shelter, etc. VolunteerMatch can help. Bonus: You often get free t-shirts when you volunteer ;) I have a few from building playgrounds for schools, doing Habitat for Humanity, and more, and I love them.

22.) Go to church.

23.) Read Susan Branch's blog for a taste of the simple things in life.

24.) Check out a pass from your library to go to a local museum for free. Most libraries offer free passes to local museums nowadays, and you can reserve them ahead of time online.

25.) Make some money on the side by signing up for Swagbucks or eBates to pad your budget.

26.) That thing you do, that everyone always says you could sell? Sell it. Use Etsy, eBay, CafePress, Shutterstock.com, local Facebook groups, and in local boutiques.

27.) Consign some of your fancy clothes for credit, or "free shopping" as I like to call it. If you don't have a local place, check out TheRealReal for designer clothes and ThredUp or Swap.com for regular duds.

28.) Get some new clothes with a purpose. Shop on Schoola where they donate profits back to schools. You can actually see which schools will be getting the profit from what you purchase.

29.) Reach out to mentors and people in your life you admire and ask them to write you recommendation letters. Of course a breakup always spurs thoughts of career change, but even if it doesn't, these letters are good to have on file and will boost your confidence.

30.) Write a book. Seriously.

31.) Spend time with kids. If you or your friends don't have kids, or your nieces and nephews don't live nearby, volunteer or get a part time job at an after-school program or daycare. Kids are good fro the soul, make you laugh deeply, and offer love freely.

32.) Read books before they actually come out (called a galley) for free by reviewing them on NetGalley.

33.) Pre-order my next book The Self-Discipline Handbook. It will arrive at your doorstep in January when you're ready to take over the world again.

34.) Get a new, amazing bra that makes you feel VA VA VOOM. My friend Kimmay can help! She's been on national television multiple times helping women find the perfect bra for them, and how they are more than just numbers (age, bra size, clothing size, number of kids, income, etc.) She's amazing and will rock your world.

35.) Watch Little Women, the Winona Ryder version from 1994. This is my go-to "need a cry" movie, it's heartwarming and heart-wrenching, beautiful and bleak, and it always warms my heart and inspires me, particularly in winter.

36.) Go to an event at the local high school. Support the football team, booster club, drama club, etc. Most high schools put on superb plays and concerts, and the cost of admission is low and supports the school.

37.) Spend the night away from home, but not alone. Being in your own comfort space feels good for awhile, but eventually you need to remember what it's like to wake up in a new place with new possibilities. Ask a friend if you can borrow their guest room for a night, or grab a friend and go on an overnight adventure.

38.) Get a new welcome mat for your front door.

39.) Paint your nails the color the exact color the QUEEN uses!

40.) Sew yourself some new pillow cases. It's one of the easiest projects, you can do it in an afternoon, and you get to go shopping for cute new fabric.

41.) Listen to this song on repeat. Preferably while writing poetry. "You don't need to change a thing about you...the guy that says goodbye to you is out of his mind."

42.) Follow george_and_charlotte on Instagram for doses of the incredible cuteness that is George and Charlotte, Prince and Princess.

43.) Make yourself some cute bath products, such as my mojito lip scrub and lavender-lemon lotion from Gifts in Jars.

44.) Re-read Happy Pretty Messy. I need to read this book to myself like, daily. And I'm the one who wrote it.

45.) Set up a slackline. I talk about it in Happy Pretty Messy and it's easy to do, and one of my favorite things.

46.) Treat yourself to the best of the best of chocolate and wine for a little bit. Splurge, indulge, enjoy.

47.) Make a list of the things you like about yourself, big and small. Things he didn't notice. Things like the curve of your tummy to your hip and the way you make coffee in the morning because you've perfected the pour for the pour-over coffee.

48.) Accept every invitation that comes your way. You need life right now, and adventure.

49.) Drive for 2 hours. Go somewhere. Go anywhere 2 hours away, just do it.

50.) Rest in the knowledge that if he couldn't see your beauty, your worth, your radiance...if he wasn't willing to do anything for you, if he didn't engage emotionally, or didn't put you first, or didn't think you were good enough, HE wasn't good enough for you. YOU WIN. He loses out. He lost you.

This hurt won't last forever.

YOU CAN DO HARD THINGS.

Shine even brighter into the world, you beautiful thing, you.

Boss Lady Jumpsuit

2017-06-15T10:36:00.000-07:00

Posing during a book signing at The Toadstool Bookshop in Keene, NH

GUYS. This BOSS LADY Jumpsuit is just perfect for summer Happy Pretty Messy book signings. I love how it is structured and work-appropriate (for me), but also just fun and carefree. It's ideal. AND IT HAS POCKETS. And, um, did I mention its only $14? Yeah, you heard right, it's only $14 from Tobi. They sent it to me for free to review. My honest review? LOVE. IT.

Wearing the pink clogs mentioned in Happy Pretty Messy, of course!

$14 you guys. Pockets. Strapless or straps. Perfection.

I love it. You will too.

You'll shine it in, I know you will.

Get your boss lady (jumpsuit) on.

Love,
Natalie

Pretty Party Dress and Lush Faux Fur

2017-02-01T12:53:00.000-08:00

(Tobi provided these clothes to me for free in exchange for my post and honest review!)

Darling Lace Up Skater Dress

Marlowe Cocoon Cardigan

Can you TELL by this photo how GLAM I am feeling in this crazy-cozy faux-fur collar cocoon sweater? It's like a little winter sleeping bag of glamour that I can wear with anything. It's so luxurious one lady thought it was real. The only thing that would make this EVEN better is a tiny little clasp to hold the two sides of the cardigan together, but I can add that with two stitches so it's no big deal. This also comes in burgundy, which I think would just be FAB with dark red lipstick and sunglasses. So movie-star-esque.

This is the lace skater dress I chose to wear for my birthday brunch with my boyfriend. He was horrified at the amount of skin showing since it was January, but I am wearing hose, thick high wool socks, a cashmere sweater, a scarf, and the big cocoon coat on top. I was quite cozy in our little round booth as we ate deliciously soft scrambled eggs with local bacon, fresh fruit, and seasoned potatoes. Mmmmmm, can it be my birthday every day?

Tobi also sent me a "boss lady" jumpsuit and I picked up a top of theirs on my own, so I'll be back with another post. In the meantime, go check this company out. I was quite worried, having never heard of them before, but now I'm seeing their stuff everywhere. I even saw a new with tags attached dress at my favorite consignment shop. The sizes fit normally (just pay attention to the measurements, but these are all smalls and fit me just fine!), the shipping and packaging was great. They have SO many cute things!

I'm excited for the weather to warm up a bit so I can shed a few of these layers and take this dress out for a spin again. I think that means the boyfriend will have to treat me to a half-birthday brunch. Totally legit, right?

(aaaand I totally just saw Tobi is having a 1/2 off site-wide sale so get overrrrrrr there!)

Natalie

End of Year Review

2016-12-23T16:44:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas, darlings!

{studio pretties}

Hi friends!

I am thinking over 2016 and what a wonderful, busy, marvelous year it has been...and I hope you can say the same. Here are a few of the things I've been working on.

{gifts in jars in barnes + noble!!!!!}

{making gifts in jars in the studio!}

Gifts in Jars was released on October 18, 2016. It is so much fun to see my book on shelves across the country, to sign copies at Barnes & Noble, to read your reviews on Amazon (keep 'em coming!) and to host Gifts in Jars workshops in my studio. It's been a fun ride!

{FIRST LOOK! She's so pretttttty!}

I got the first copies of Happy, Pretty, Messy IN MY HANDS! This is my first book, my heart book (even though it's releasing second) and it comes out on February 7, 2017. It's available for pre-order NOW!

{making pretty food even prettier in the studio in my favorite apron and socks!}

So yes, I wrote 2 books this year. I also food styled another cookbook, which was awesome and I loved being able to do it in my own studio space this time.

On top of that, I signed contracts for TWO more NEW books due next year! I've got lots of writing to do :) And I'll be teaching poetry this semester at a local college.

It has been a good year for my heart. Poetry, food styling, writing books...my heart is full and grateful for it all.

Much love,
Natalie

Le Tote Review and FREE BOX for YOU!

2016-08-04T17:09:00.001-07:00

I have had my first LE TOTE box for 1 month and the second one is on its way to me...I am TAKEN by this service! I LOVED every single piece they sent me and wore each piece 2+ times. You can see the items they sent me and my initial impressions in my Unboxing Vlog HERE and you can try it yourself for free by clicking here! (affiliate links!)

Some of my favorite outfits with items from the box:

Tarte top and Octavia necklace

The Tarte top had a racerback and HIGH tulip hem!

Wore several times, but loved it with these J.Crew floral shorts and blue sandals!

Next up is this gorgeous blue and black striped swirly wrap skirt!

So very chic! I loved this and the way the wind made it move. Also wearing with the necklace (I pretty much didn't take this necklace off all month).

Tunic dress with great details...little tiny feathers all over!

And the hem is longer in the back. AND no surprise I'm wearing the necklace again!

I also received a zebra scarf I wore on chilly nights. I really loved how everything in my box was coordinated and I could easily make outfits out of them all month.

I can't wait to see what I get in my next box. The SECOND the post office scanned my return bag (so easy and free), Le Tote emailed that they saw it was on it's way and they were starting to style my next tote.

You can purchase any of the items at a discount, but after much mulling I decided to send all of these items back and rent some more!

YOU can try a Tote for FREE for 14 days using this link and code (affiliate link):

Get your first tote FREE at Le Tote! Use code 7ALTFT16 to redeem. Offer ends 8/7 - Join Now!

I hope you try it and LOVE it as much as I do!

Le Tote Trial

2016-07-19T10:10:00.003-07:00

Hi guys! I FINALLY filmed another vlog...the unboxing of my first LE TOTE ! Le Tote is a clothing rental subscription company. They send you 3 pieces of clothing and 2 accessories and you can wear them as many times as you want in a month before sending them back (dirty!) and getting another selection next month. Or if you send the items back sooner, you can get another box the same month. It is $59 a month, and if you like something, you can keep it at a reduced price. I'm SUPER excited by the items in my first box and can't wait to wear them. Have you tried LE TOTE ? What did you think? This is NOT a sponsored post but the links are affiliate links :) Try it free for 14 days!!

Get 3 garments and 2 accessories delivered right to your door with Le Tote! Join Now!

Enjoy!!

Natalie

Freelance + Freshbooks

2016-06-05T07:55:00.002-07:00

This is an affiliate-sponsored post. I may also receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you click links below or make purchases through them. Thanks for your support!

As my freelance business has grown, I've really been trying to keep up with the growth and create systems for my workflow.

One thing that makes this so much easier is FreshBooks, a cloud accounting, invoicing and expense-tracking system that I really love. I'm an affiliate for them now, because I use them so much, so if you click through any of my FreshBooks links and decide to sign up, I get a commission at no charge to you!

I used to make a new Word document invoice every time for every client, and email it. FreshBooks lets me send out recurring invoices, lets me email it as a PDF or Word, and they will even print it out and mail it for me (they include a return envelope)! It's awesome! My invoices have my logo and are easily searchable by client, and I can track paid and unpaid invoices. Clients can even pay me by PayPal or credit card, an option I never had before.

I also love the automatic expense tracking. Once you import the bank info (totally secure) for your business checking and credit card accounts, they automatically import your expenses and categorize them for you. So easy!

There is also a time-tracking feature, which is awesome for my bigger projects (like book writing). My favorite feature here is the real-time TIMER button, where you start and stop the timer and it automatically adds the time to your invoice. Woah-hey.

The mobile app lets me snap a picture of a receipt and add it to expenses so I can ditch the receipts crumbled up at the bottom of my purse for "sorting later" (you did that too, right?). And P&L statements? Literally click a button. I just love that I can access this anywhere, too, since being mobile is part of my freelance business.

NEW for 2019: Retainers! Freelancers, rejoice. Freshbooks has added a new feature in 2019. You've wanted it for awhile, and they've finally heard. Retainers are here! No, not the kind you put in your mouth. The kind you collect from clients to keep your business at a regular monthly income. Retainers are win-win for clients and you, so this feature is a great new addition to the already-fantastic Freshbooks suite. You'll be able to do so many more things, such as tracking time spent against time allotted, collect recurring payments automatically, forecast monthly income, manage project progress, and automatically invoice. This is such a great new feature, particularly for IT/tech freelancers, designers, photographers, and any time of consultant or coach. FreshBooks Easy Invoicing Page

FreshBooks is priced at $15/mo for up to 5 clients up to $50/mo for 500 clients. Trust me, this is nothing compared to the time and frustration this saves, which means I can add more billable time and projects to my week instead of spending it on invoicing, adding expenses, etc.

I truly love FreshBooks and if you run your own thriving small business, encourage you to check it out!

Reading Lately

2016-05-24T06:36:00.001-07:00

I've been on such a reading kick lately, with the rainy mornings and quiet afternoons galore that Spring brings.

copy provided for review by Blogging for Books

Find Your Extraordinary
by Jessica Dilullo Herrin
4 stars ****

This was a GREAT book on business and lifestyle by the founder of the Stella & Dot companies. I wasn't familiar with Jessica Dilulo Herrin's accomplishments before I picked up this book. I found her to be inspiring, pulls-no-punches and tough-love in her words, but with an absolute conviction that she wants YOU to be able to live an extraordinary life. And living an extraordinary life requires a fire under your tush, which Herrin is happy to give you. It took me awhile to embrace her voice given those things, but once I did, I found the book very inspiring and one I will keep on my business shelf for awhile. I will also check out the Stella & Dot companies in more detail.

copy borrowed from my book illustrator!

Big Magic

by Elizabeth Gilbert

4 stars ****

Big Magic has some great insights into the creative process and the nature of ideas. However, it is mixed with a lot of new-age mumbo-jumbo, so the Christian must read it with a strong grounding in the truth that creativity comes from God, the Creator of the Universe. with that in mind, you can certainly unearth some real gems here from Gilbert. This is a book that invites you to ruminate on the creative process long after you put the book down. And that cover! That cover is just all sorts of goodness. Grab this one and read it at a coffee shop sipping something delicious.

copy from the library!

Do Over

by Jon Acuff

3.5 stars ***1/2

Jon Acuff is one of those writers I WANT to like more than I do. Truth be told, though, I find it...grating at times, and a little too over-done. Now I've had the pleasure of seeing Acuff speak in person and I know that is just his way...the over-the-top enthusiasm makes him who he is. This book is chock-full of useful advice for those stuck in a career rut, but I did find it more geared towards 9-5ers instead of those of us in the creative field. Which is fine, since that's Acuff's background, despite his switch into the author/expert category. This is worth a read, as it's a quick read, but I won't be buying it for my own collection. Although that awesome cover makes it tempting....

provided by bloggingforbooks

Full-Color NKJV Study Bible

5 stars *****

This is a GORGEOUS full-color study bible in paperback. I could not be more thrilled by this. If you combined every huge Bible study tome on my shelf, including the giant Illustrated Bible Dictionary I have from Nelson's, this Bible would be their child. It's gorgeous, easy to hold in your hand, and somehow very manageable for the wealth of knowledge it contains. From extra articles, timelines, word studies, maps, and notes, this Bible far surpasses any others I've seen. I feel this would be a great gift for any man in your life, perhaps a recent graduate, because it seems to have a bit of a masculine feel, but of course I love it too. The personal size really keeps things manageable and I like that is is soft-cover, although they also offer it in hard cover. A true keeper and a must-have for your Bible resources shelf.

Happy Reading!

Natalie

Grove Collaborative

2016-05-17T08:17:00.004-07:00

It is VERY hard to find glass spray bottles, and hard to find good spray bottles in general. I absolutely love my high-quality Grove Collaborative (affiliate link) one, and can't wait to get a few more. I use this one for ironing, but also want one for homemade cleaning products and such. They're just too handy, beautiful, and lasting.

Do you about Grove Collaborative (affiliate link) if you haven't heard of them. They deliver the best in natural cleaning and home products to your door, stress-free, and with all sorts of perks! Every order plants trees, offsets carbon, and does so much good. I've placed many orders from them and their customer service is top-notch, too. Not to mention you get the same goodness brought into your house...natural cleaning products, luscious candles and lip balms made by them, THE best glass spray bottles EVER, and, of course, my favorite Mrs. Meyer's hand soaps.

They even carry the hard-to-find Limited Edition scents. I am DYING over the Lilac scent this spring. It is SO good. The Apple and Rhubarb are perennial favorites as well.

Check them out, here's $10 through this link :) Enough to nab one of these gorgeous glass spray bottles fo' FREE! OR a soap...your choice, tough call though.

(affiliate link)

Love!

Natalie

Book Review: How to Live in Fear

2016-05-09T16:21:00.000-07:00

book provided by booklook bloggers

How to Live in Fear: Mastering the Art of Freaking Out
by Lance Hahn
3.5 stars ***

I was very intrigued by this book based on the title and subtitle. They say so much and speak to my heart right now. However, after reading the book, I am left with conflicting feelings about it. On the one hand, it is very inspirational to see a leading Christian figure struggle with panic disorder and still keep going, still keep making progress for the Kingdom. On the other hand, the book is full of anxiety triggers and I could hardly read more than a few pages at a time without feeling anxious because of his in-depth descriptions of his own panic. I also still wrestle with the whole idea of being chained to living in fear. I guess perhaps I still want a "way out." But maybe Hahn is bucking the system by NOT saying we have to have "enough faith" or enough medication, to dissipate our feelings and lose anxiety along with any other emotions. Perhaps he IS right in saying we should freak out, and live with the freaking out, as best we can. Hmmm....this is a thinker for me ;)

Reading Lately

2016-04-07T16:39:00.002-07:00

{courtesy booklook bloggers}

The Entitlement Cure: Finding Success in Doing Hard Things the Right Way
by Dr. John Townsend
3 stars **

I thought the title of this book really drove home a point I'm passionate about: things are pretty darn easy these days, and we get lazy. You know what laziness translates into? Entitlement. Chances are we'll have an entire generation of entitled adults, if we don't already. Not I! So I was excited to review this book based on the title and subtitle. Unfortunately, it takes a pretty hard-edge view of things that was rather disparaging. It was not the hopeful, encouraging or even enlightening book I was expecting. I do not need to be barraged with the negativity. I want to know how we FIX this. How can I avoid it in my own life? How can we teach the next generation to dig in and do the hard work? This book was a disappointment for me. It might speak to some, but it didn't for me. Plus, I'm not sure anyone who actually IS entitled would pick up this book, giving it a "preach to the choir" angle that didn't suit me. Even the cover speaks of an axe to grind...and edge, instead of a hopeful point of view.

New Firmoo Glasses + New Coat

2016-02-01T05:24:00.000-08:00

Oh the little things in life are so good, ya'll, so good. New glasses make such a HUGE difference for a girl's confidence and selfie-game #amiright?! I was about to grab some new Warbys when Firmoo reached out and I just couldn't resist getting a pair from them.

Then throw in my CRAZY-AMAZING new J.Crew Stadium Cloth coat and a girl is

all sorts of heart-eyes gahhhhhhhhh.

Super in love with this cognac and tomato color combo, aren't you digging it? This is a thrifted vintage Hanae Mori handbag that is so much fun. The handle on top makes it.

Now, these Firmoo glasses. I'm loving them. Firmoo glasses are always high-quality. My last glasses are Firmoo, too, and they've both been great quality frames. While it can be a bit hard to decide online, the prices are so low, even if your pick isn't a total-win, it's not the end of the world. I'm still deciding how much I like these, but they grow on me daily. I was looking for something more "writer-y" and I think these nail that vibe. These frames are $19, ya'll. There's no arguing with that.

How good is red lipstick + writer-y glasses + fur hood?

#sogood

Thanks, Firmoo!

Catch-All Catch-Up Post

2016-01-30T08:08:00.001-08:00

Life has suddenly just exploded with sunshine lately! And sunshine = busyness in this case. Aside from WORKING ON MY BOOK (we are working on cover details now, guys! Crazy-exciting), I've been...

Enjoying endless sunshine this winter...SO good for the soul!

Signed up for a membership at the local rock-climbing gym because I am LOVING IT LATELY. Can't get enough. I used to go rock climbing at the indoor gym quite often, and this summer got outdoors for a bit of climbing. Of course my climbing shoes are pink and called "RockStar" (ha get it?!?!). I have fallen in love once again and I dream of routes and problems (a problem is what you call a bouldering route...metaphor for life, amiright?).

I'm not vegan, but my friend owns an amazing vegan restaurant and I've been addicted to this Superhero Hot Chocolate filled with all sorts of good things for you. In particular it has Shilajit, which is a mineral from the Himalayas. I don't know much more than that, but I DO know it's crazy-good and I can't get enough.

While I haven't been doing many outfit photos lately, you can find them from the studio on my Instagram. This is H&M black skinny jeans, Sorel boots, ON cardigan, Gap London tee and a random star scarf from who-knows-where.

It's almost February! We are SO making progress on this winter-thing.

"The cold never bothered me anywaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyyyy!"

MA BIRTHDAY!

2016-01-14T16:30:00.002-08:00

Hey you guys!!! It was MA BIRTHDAY last week and I must say, it was quite a lovely day. Full of friendship, love, caffeine, surprises, fun little interactions and comments from strangers (how could they not, with my outfit?), and so much more. What a gift it was, truly, so good for my spirit and refreshing for my soul.

I wore a peachy-pink tulle dress that was quite ballerina-ish, with a cashmere spring-green ballet wrap cardigan. It was topped off with my blue fur collar and my favorite-ever scarf from ages ago.

Birthday flowers from best friend.

Of course there was a bow in my hair. And giant mink earmuffs 'cause FLUFFY.

Sprinkle cookies with candles for breakfast :) Because birthdays only happen once a year.

And now into the new one!

Warby Parker Try-On Winter 2015

2015-12-10T14:17:00.001-08:00

It's that time again! Time to try a new batch of Warby Parker's deliciously quirky and writer-y glasses. Warby Parker's Winter 2015 Collection Oh what fun it is to tryyyyy on WarbyParkerglassses! (you have to sing it like that to make it fit into the Christmas song but hey! why not!)
(this is NOT a sponsored post but clicking on these links may earn me a commission at no cost to you--thanks for supporting GGS!)

My best friend and I both ordered Home Try-On program boxes, so here you get to see me try on NINE!!!! options :) (one just looked so very terrible on me that I couldn't even share the photo, sorry friends! for reference it was the Nedwin in lime green).

I have a HEART-SHAPED FACE for glasses if you're trying to choose glasses for your face shape.(To find yours, stand in front of the mirror and trace your face with lipstick or a dry erase marker directly on the mirror (pull your hair back first).

So these are my picks from the Warby Parker Winter 2015 collection for heart-shaped faces and brunette hair. See past picks here and here.

Here they are, in alphabetical order:

Chelsea in Whistler Grey

Chilton in Whiskey Tortoise

Finch in Grenadine

June in Burnt Lemon Tortoise

Newton in Striped Molasses

Oliver in Whiskey Tortoise

Simone in Blue Coral

Upton in Sea Smoke Tortoise

Welty in Plum Marblewood

My top three favorites are (in no particular order):

Newton in Striped Molasses (top left)

Upton in Sea Smoke Tortoise (top right)

Welty in Plum Marblewood (bottom)

What are your favorites FOR ME and FOR YOU?

If you haven't tried Warby Parker or aren't sure which frames work for your face, try their Home Try-On program for FREE (both ways!). They sent you FIVE pairs to try on for five days, risk-free. It's awesome! If you're ordering from Warby Parker, let me know which pair YOU chose and share a picture if you want in the comments :) Love me some discussion about WPs!

Dress Like a Cupcake

2015-10-16T02:15:00.000-07:00

I'm not going to lie, some days I dress like a cupcake on purpose. Pink, frosting, fanciful, fur, all the things.

Yes, those are pansies on my pants (J.Crew just gets me, y'know?). And dalmation flats. And a pink fur coat. Because FRIDAY, ya'll.

FRI-YAY! MORE COFFEE! #caffeinecrazy

For the Love of Fuschia

2015-10-15T13:49:00.002-07:00

I am the queen of awkward outfit photos, don't mind me. They're a slight bit fuzzy because I also move at the last second and it's hopeless. I mean, I don't know why the paparazzi aren't following me around snapping glamorous photos all the time, but in the meantime, I'm stuck with me, my tripod and my self-timer.

Aside from that, I'm just super into this rolled-jeans and leopard-smoking-slippers look, right?! Divine for fall.

And a gold exposed zipper on this wool tulip-hem shell from J.Crew is so good. Sooooo good.

Of course, a fuschia 60s-style jacket and some fuschia lipstick top it all off as the icing on the monochromatic-outfit-cake.

In other news, I just spilled my entire fresh cup of coffee on the rug/floor, so there's that. I just felt you should know that so we could share the sadness in solidarity.

Also, here's a little happy ditty for you today to make you smile.

"What a day for feelin' alive!"

Has it not been just the most gorgeous October?

This girl thinks so!
:)

xo

Reading Lately

2015-09-29T11:32:00.000-07:00

my copy of this book was provided by booklookbloggers

Divided

by Bill Delvaux

***** 5 stars

Oh this book. I've dog-eared and highlighted it to near pieces. "When the Head and Heart Don't Agree" is the subtitle, and I think one of the biggest problems facing our generation. But let me make that more personal: It is one of the biggest problems facing MY LIFE lately. Oh oh, how hard it can be to bring the head and heart into agreement sometimes, and how erosive the damage is. And sneaky. Sneaky and erosive, and darn destructive. This book unpacks the distance and WHY it is there, why our human spirits are so susceptible to this great divide, and how Jesus wants to bridge the gap. There is useful information here, life-changing information, and I HIGHLY recommend this book. I often joke with my friends that to be intellectual, creative and a Christian is an impossible trio. Pick two! Ha. This book helps me hold tighter to the God I love and know, in both my head and my heart. To bring them both into alignment with Him, and at the foot of the cross. Oh yes. More of that.

"I will teach you and tell you the way to go and how to get there; I will give you good counsel, and I will watch over you." Psalm 32:8

AMEN. BOOM. THAT'S THE GOD I SERVE!

my copy of this book was provided by booklookbloggers

Anything

by Jennie Allen

****4 1/2 stars

I love anything by Jennie Allen (see what I did there?). Jennie Allen is the real-deal, a sold-out-for-God girl-next-door that you want to be your best friend to do life with. In this book, she shares the prayer that she humbly (not boldly) prayed to God, and the ways it changed her life and many others. Letting God do ANYTHING in your life...wow. I mean, I know we say it all the time, right? God, YOUR will be done. But to surrender every single area of our lives to that REALITY...that gets messy right-quick. Follow along with Jennie as she walks the path, hand in hand, and gives us projects to prepare our hearts and minds for all that God has prepared for us to do. That verse above? Fits perfectly with this book, too. If God goes with us, we will get there. Wherever scary-sort-of place there is. God never says it will be easy. Quite the contrary; He tells us it will be hard. But then He goes before us and beside us. Never leaves us, never abandons. Through Anything.

xo
Natalie

#CAFFEINECRAZY PRODUCTS

2015-09-01T05:08:00.002-07:00

Good morning, friends and HAPPY SEPTEMBER! Can you believe it? It's almost time for hot beverages and a whole latte more #caffeinecrazy (see what I did there?)! I am so excited to launch my first-ever brand-new products, starting with the ONLY mug and iced coffee tumbler specifically designed to bring you some #caffeinecrazy.

They are available NOW in my new shop!

Pop on over and grab one before they sell out! The mugs in particular are going fast. They are SO STINKIN' CUTE if I may so myself, and ultra-cheery.

Shop Here

Natalie

Monday {Makeup} Vlog!

2015-08-10T15:35:00.000-07:00

I have a treat for you today! A Monday vlog, featuring my daily summer makeup routine! I haven't done a daily routine makeup vlog in ages, and for some reason the last one I did is totes MIA online, so here's a refresher with all of my favorite CURRENT products. Featuring the Physician's Formula "Nude Wear" line that I'm loving, this is a long tutorial but shows you the process beginning to end, and is at least a little entertaining along the way, tee hee. Enjoy and don't forget to follow me on YouTube for the latest updates!

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion

Physician's Formula Nude Wear Touch of Glow Stick

Pacifica Alight Multi-Mineral BB Cream

Physician's Formula Nude Wear Touch of Glow Blush

Physician's Formula Gentle Wear Bronzer

Physician's Formula Gentle Wear Loose Powder

Pacifica Eye Brightening Shadow Palette

Redeeming Beauty Minerals Brownsugared Rose Drop Eye Shadow

Wet n' Wild Amethyst Color Icon Eye Liner

L'Oreal Studio Secrets Single Color Eyeshadow
Wet n' Wild MegaVolume Mascara

Lenovo Bluetooth Speaker, New Studio & GIVEAWAY!

2015-08-07T06:36:00.000-07:00

Today I am so thrilled to partner with Lenovo to show you my new studio AND my new Bluetooth speakers that make working in the studio so fun and easy. Gotta have me some tunes spinning to get in my writing groove. And for Friday Deadlines-are-Done Dance Parties, DUH. Enter this slick little baby, which is only 1.6 pounds and can sit horizontal like I have it or vertical, and offers a 270-degree sound experience.

I absolutely LOVE the portability of this all-in-one speaker (major plus for this biz owner: it turns into a microphone + speakerphone for taking calls!). It offers up to 4 hours of wireless listening, then just plug it into your computer to keep listening and charge it up.

This is where you'll see most of my instagram outfit selfies...my giant awesome Art Deco antique mirror. This is the real-deal, a true antique with so much pizazz it makes the whole room dazzle.

Where the writing magic happens. One of mom's paintings hangs above my desk (she is a fine artist and shares the other half of the studio with me). Since the Lenovo bluetooth speaker has such power and is so easily portable, it can head over to visit mom's side of the studio for a field trip. But that's another post entirely!

Pretty dresses hanging to keep me inspired, with Audrey keeping a watchful eye on things, of course.

Office essentials: Iced coffee, pink pens and my Lenovo bluetooth speaker. I love how sleek the speaker is, it just melts into the surroundings with a modern look.

More office essentials, including the "Open" sign I made with a paint pen and a leftover-Ikea-cabinet door-piece-random-thing.

How much are we loving this vintage needlepoint I picked up? I think it's so great how the 70's needlepoint, the classic clock and the modern speaker still look good together.

In the other corner is this odd curio cabinet, built-in, but at an angle. I've filled it with very necessary things:

What girl doesn't need a grown-up pair of pink sparkle mary-jane's in case of party emergency? (rhetorical question, I know)

SPEAKING OF PARTIES, and speaking of speakers (I crack myself up), I get to GIVE AWAY one of these fabulous speakers to one of my fabulous readers! This couldn't be more exciting!
Somebody turn up the Lenovo speaker with the dance music!

Here are the details, with up to FIVE entries per person:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

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Book Review: How to Live in Fear

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Warby Parker Try-On Winter 2015

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For the Love of Fuschia

Reading Lately

#CAFFEINECRAZY PRODUCTS

Monday {Makeup} Vlog!

Lenovo Bluetooth Speaker, New Studio & *GIVEAWAY*!

Lenovo Bluetooth Speaker, New Studio & GIVEAWAY!