much love, illy

Sprout takes Creativity to a WHOLE other - we are talking 3D level, people!

2015-09-28T16:56:00.001-07:00

If you follow me on Instagram and Snapchat (@muchloveilly), you would have seen all these bright, colorful sneak peeks for my newest collab with Sprout HP. (Some of you guys might remember my past posts with Sprout HP. Click HERE for a flashback!) These guys rock at the coolest technology, taking all of our creative juices to a whole other level - and when I a whole other level, I am NOT exaggerating.

This all in one desk top allows Sprout HP to showcase their 3D technology, producing a 3D scanner to scan objects into 3D design to mold and to shape into whatever is your creative heart's desire. I experimented from my favorite orange troll (yay, 80's!) to a conch shell from Turks and Caicos.

Once you've scanned the project, you are able to play and shape and stretch the 3D image to produce whatever you want. And that's where the 3D Dremel Dream Maker Printer comes into play.

Watch the video for a sneak peek of how that works! {Disclaimer: Yes, I talk fast and move hands a million miles an hour when I'm giddy. *Insert monkey covering mouth emoji here* And yes, why does Youtube always choose the most awkward thumbnail. Getting over myself now.}

Be sure to stayed tuned on Instagram and on the blog for the result of my 3D Design. I'll be playing with my new toy for many, many days to come! With the holidays just around the corner, the opportunities are endless!

You can also check out this sweet Sprout Gallery for more sweet creations, as well as where to find the nearest Sprout retailer for YOU, my friend to get your hands on one!

This post was sponsored by HP. Thanks for letting me review sponsored post. All of the opinion listed here are my own. Literally this 3d awesomeness is what it is...awesome!

to old faithful.

2015-08-24T16:11:00.002-07:00

Oh, my little blog.

Not sure if anyone else is even out there but you and I are here. You're like my old faithful. I get the itch to write and here you are waiting. Wish you drank coffee 'cause I would bring you a cup with a lot of creamer, just like I love it. With a slice of banana bread. Extra butter, please along with that extra creamer.

And tonight I have the itch to write. I miss it.

And I don't have a ton to write to be honest after this long, crazy Monday at the office but there's something comforting about running back to this little space.

In the world of the Butlers if you've followed my Instagram, you know we moved to a new town, moved into a new house (a HOUSE feels like a mansion when you've been in a one bedroom apartment, people!), and opened up our own small biz. So yeah, it's been a little busy but life is good. We earn our weekends as the days our long but at the end of the day, there is something about going home and knowing you own what you worked your butt off for and being able to do with the person you love is even better.

And yes, these pictures were taken in front of our office. Can't take life TOO seriously. Got to keep moving forward through the craziness of life and still have fun.

And speaking of fun, these red glasses from my friends at Firmoo, yo. They are probably my newest favorite accessory and I wear them all the time and get compliments anytime i wear them. They add the perfect pop of color! And they are as true as their name. This girl don't need no glasses, so they are sheer vanity glasses. Ryan loves them on me too so that doesn't hurt one bit.

Here's to many more of days of rocking vanity glasses and laughing at ourselves. Life is too short to take it too seriously. Peace out!

unicorn emojis, hot pink flamingo floaties and an Old Navy $1 flip flop sale - OH MY!

2015-06-19T06:31:00.006-07:00

if you are living any where in the south right now, you know there is one dang heatwave firing through. and it's not just heat - it's that sticky, icky humidity that makes it's way into your skin and hair (hashtag big hair, don't care - and you really shouldn't care 'cause there is nothing you can really do to keep it NOT big!). because of that, these busy, looooong days in getting ready for our move have ~~called~~ demanded quick trips to our pool - and oh like milk does the body good, cool, pool water has done this skin so good!

and the pool has been the perfect time to pull out my Old Navy (HOT PINK!) flips flops. i don't know about you but these are def summer staples. if you haven't grabbed your own pair yet, be sure to head to Old Navy this weekend for their $1 flip flop sale so that you can stock up with all of your favorite colors. i'm thinking to make a run this weekend and grab a turquoise and lavender pair!

wanna win an additional pair of flip flops and possibly even a vacation?! then also be sure to check out Emoodji for your chance at just that AND you can even find out what is your most used emoji. if you are like me, i could not be more obsessed with emojis...and even more so hearing the rumor, there is the possibility of tacos, unicorns, and flamingos (oh, my!) headed their way to our keyboards through the next update! my most used emoji is the paint palette! what's yours?

hope everybody has a fantastic weekend!

stay cool out there, people! peace out.

this post was sponsored by Old Navy. all remarks are my own. thank you for letting me share about my favorite companies so that i can keep this blog rolling...woohoo!

tallying up the points.

2015-05-10T18:08:00.002-07:00

top: c/o walktrendy / leggings: forever21 / flats: shopdressup / necklace: twerkstorian / boppypins: muchloveilly shop / rings: forever 21

let's tally up all the points to this shirt.

1) polka dots
2) every from color of the rainbow
3) chiffon material not easily affected by this GA summer heat already here
4) and duh, goes along with the pink hair

INSTANT favorite shirt ever.

then again any article of clothing that screams UNICORN LIFE wins me over instantly.

and speaking of GA and it's summer heat - i know i was just on vacation (feels like yesterday we went to St. John) but i am so excited for summer! if we are going to be exact, school counts down to SIX days exactly for moi, but really who's counting? i only teach first period and as much as i love these students, teachers are just as ready for summer and the students are - so seriously, no offense taken. we are all in the same boat.

so here's to the final days of the school year and all unicorn-life screaming articles of clothing! WOOHOO!

bending the rules.

2015-02-16T05:45:00.000-08:00

if you know me, you would know that i have my moments where i like to stick to the book. i will follow the rules and do what i'm told. then there are other moments, where i will go against the flow and go in rebel mood.

well, today is one of those moments - where bending the rules are definitely going to be more than necessary...especially when it comes to bending the rules with my friends at HP and with the adorable, oh so talented Meghan Trainor.

but let's talk about what i mean by bending the rules. it means that my laptop is cooler than your laptop 'cause it bends the rule. while your laptop stays in one position, my new HP x360 laptop can be not in just one, but four different modes: laptop, tablet, tent and stand. complete 360 degree capability to allow the unique flexibility!

HOLLA! now you can see how rules should be bent when it comes to something as sweet as this laptop! i see those eyes growing rounder and those jaws dropping. you know it!

i'm also a fan of its sleek size and shape, perfect for when i am on the go - and i am always on the go! and the beats speakers (we are talking dr. dre, people) are one of my favorite features for my music (it's all about that bass people - hehe, i'm so punny *wink*) and for those netflix binge marathons with Ryan.

and since we are on the top of 4 when it comes to the 4 modes of the x360, we were asked to feature 4 of our favorite things - and lately, if you've been following me via instagram, i've been posting doodles from my drawing book. last semester, i was learning to adjust to the change of schedule with my current full time job and teaching and just life that i didn't make as much as i should have creatively. and to be honest, it got to me. i could feel my creative part of me shriveling up. so i made it a goal this year to get back into writing, blogging and drawing. anyone else relate? so these are four of my favorites page from my drawing book. nothing spectacular but to me, it just feels good to get pen to paper.

anyways, like i mentioned earlier, this pots is not only a partnership with the good people of HP but also with one of my favorite artists, Meghan Trainor! come on - i know i'm not the only one singing "All About That Bass" or " Lips Are Moving" in the car with the radio speakers at full blast or in the shower, using the shampoo bottle as a microphone. i'll be following her tour on this landing page here, so i invite you to join me!

this post was sponsored by HP and by Megan Trainor's All About that Base tour. dear friends, thank you for your support so that i have the opportunity to feature sponsored posts like these. you rock!

man, i'm in a good mood.

2015-02-10T15:54:00.002-08:00

for reals, people.

i'm in a good mood. i am going to completely blame it on the sunshine - which inspired me to bring out my new favorite pair of shades from Glasses Shop. their called the salinas with clear and BRIGHT orange frames. they are the perfect pair to grab on the way to the beach or for a sunday afternoon drive. so fun! (can you tell? i'm already so ready for summer!)

and the fact that i'm having one of those weeks where things are clicking on all cylinders. you know what i'm screaming? FEELING GOOD, PEOPLE! and i'm also loving all the red and pink and hearts and lovey-dovey-ness of this week. like i told my class the other day, when they were all bashing on valentine's day. and i told them that i am one of those cliche, cheesy weirdos that actually love valentine's day, so sue me. (#michaelscott)

with how crazy and messy life can be, you got to celebrate every good thing that comes one's way. even the paper hearts and valentines candy and a sweet husband who loves me every single day. (hashtag blessed. hashtag lucky. hashtag i know i got it good.)

and because of my good mood, i think i'm in a list mood, too. you, too?
good. i knew we were good friends.

Making : triple chocolate chip cookies

Cooking: nothing at the moment if you count baking cookies as cooking
Drinking : lots more extra cups of coffee. 5am, 10am, maaaaybe 3pm if i can't help.
Reading : one plus one by jojo moyes (loved me before you so i have high hopes for this one)
Wanting: a puppy dog so so so bad
Looking: forward to some super exciting things taking place this upcoming year *insert monkey covering mouth emoji*
Planning: our yearly vacation
Wasting: too much time binge watching tv shows (but technically if you are enjoying the shows, it's not wasting, right?)
Sewing: not much sewing at all these days. weird 'cause that used to my daily life and now i haven't picked up a needle and thread. don't know if that is sad or a relief. maybe both.
Wishing: for march to get here already so that my family can all be together again
Enjoying: this fast-paced but wonderful life with Ryan
Waiting: for the timer to go off for my chocolate chip cookies to be done baking
Liking: too many pictures on instagram. anyone else spend too much time on there?
Wondering: how many sour patch kids would fit inside of a the eiffel tower
Loving: my recent addition of gel pens
Hoping: i never really grow up and take life too seriously
Marveling: at God's abundant goodness
Needing: those chocolate chip cookies to be done baking in the oven already
Smelling: chocolate chip cookies (unintentional theme)
Wearing: the top i wore to work today but then sweats and my fluffy pink house slippers
Following: (or trying) too many to-do lists
Noticing: how quickly God moves when He gets things going
Knowing: God is faithful
Thinking: about the future
Bookmarking: vacation planning sites
Opening: way too many windows on my computer
Giggling: over random text messages from my sisters
Feeling: excited

and btw the way, guys, thanks for your sweet welcoming-me-back-to-blogging comments.
you guys are truly the best.

and now i hear my timer finally going off. ta-ta. off to stuff my face.

taking stock list inspired by pip and sydney.

P.S. Discount code for anyone who wants to be my sunglasses twin! Use IleneJ20 for 20% off of ANYTHING on glassesshop.com - or if you are in need of just frames, take 45% off with discount code Y2B45. woohoo!!!!

meet my new best friend, sprout.

2015-02-08T15:57:00.001-08:00

sooooo....i've mentioned my brand new toy to you guys before. in the previous post and if you ~~stalk~~ follow me via instagram, you know i was screaming from the rooftops about this baby! but if you haven't been introduced, please allow me...

this is my new friend, Sprout.

yup, like those adorable little green shoots you see out of the ground or in your emoji keyboard.

the super cool people over at HP gave me the opportunity to review their newest computer. like any normal gadget freak, i was like, heck yes! *insert emoji of girl in pink shirt raising her hand* but this guys, is more than just your average computer. as described on HP's website, Sprout is a creativity station and a full functioning computer.

let me explain to you what that means exactly.

so it's got everything you would expect a normal computer. it's got a wireless keyboard and mouse and a beautiful 26 inch monitor. but what makes it special are 1) the monitor is completely touch screen, 2) the overhead projector and 3) the activity mat. the projector and the mat work hand in hand to be able to make all the magic happen. from scanning objects (like my lipsticks in this post!) and being able to take those images and move them around the mat using your fingers, so you have absolute control. there is a stylus which you can use to draw or write but you can use your finger as well! what i love are the options you have to create with no restrictions or limits!

and that's just the surface of the Sprout. there are also apps to be able to create music using the piano keys that project onto the mat. you can also scan objects into 3D images. the editing programs for scanned images is pretty sweet too. you can skype with another friend and create projects together using your sprout - talk about being able to create projects across the internet with that option! (sandy, are you reading?! me and you, girl!)

like i said, i am just scratching the surface and it's been exploring and discovering the magic Sprout can do! i'm sure this is only the beginning. expect more projects to be posted in the days to come!

this post was sponsored by HP Sprout. thank you for my faithful readers and friends who support my sponsors so that i can bring you original sponsored posts. you guys, rock!

kiss me, kiss me. did ya miss me?!

2015-02-02T15:45:00.003-08:00

i think like i wrote two, maybe three blog posts ago, these long absences from the blog are far from intentional. i blame the busyness of my life (but hey, who isn't busy, right? i applaud you bloggers who have found the balance and while this 13 year old in the body of a 30 year old woman continues to struggle and learn. its a daily process, folks.) and i promise, i have a valid excuse other than being busy.

my laptop died.

pretty much the life source for any blogger, writer or social media specialist.

so you can forgive me, right? that's legit....right? okay, good.

i didn't get a new laptop but i did got a super sweet gift from my friends at HP, the newest Sprout - which i will definitely tell you more about in an upcoming post but for now, going to show off some of the sweet things i can do with it!

for example, see the four lipsticks tubes in the first picture of this post? instead of trying to scour the web for images of my favorite lipsticks, i was able to physically place my favorite lipsticks on my Sprout mat, and my friendly Sprout did all the work by scanning the tubes into individual images for me. then once it did that, i was able to create them in a work space and add my own handwriting and touch to the collage above. no more restricting collage spaces - absolute freedom.

but let's get back to lipstick. my favorite tubes of lipstick for those of you determined to find some pop of color for valentine's day or just because you want to find a new lipstick.

these are my current lipstick go-tos:

nars heatwave: an oldie but a goodie. it's the perfect shade of red-orange. and it's a semi-matte, my favorite formula because i love the look but isn't completely dry either.

maybelline wine and forever: this tube stays on forever! literally, so if you are looking for an all day glossy look for those busy days, this is your lip. and it's darker than it appears in the picture above or even on the tube itself, which is my favorite part about it. i still use a dark lip liner but once you line it, you are all set.

mac ruby woo: looking for the perfect taylor swift red? it is def one of the more matted-looks in my collection but after a layer of chapstick or vaseline glossed beneath it, it's the perfect pop of red!

revlon touch of spice: not gonna lie. i love the nude lip shade as much as the bright shades. i adore this revlon formula - very similar to mac - and the shade has a great balance of nude and rose. familiar with kylie jenner's infamous lips? this shade is practically identical to the matte pout she rocks in her IG pics.

what are your current lipstick faves that are stocking up your lady purse?

i am always on the hunt for more favorites.

{this post was sponsored by sprout by HP. thank you, Sprout! and thank you to my lovely, faithful readers and friends who support my sponsors so that i can bring you original sponsored posts.}

letters. {yeah, it's been awhile.}

2014-10-27T15:58:00.001-07:00

infinity scarf: c/o ecoshag / jacket: c/o lulu*s / pants: borrowed from my sister / converse: c/o dsw

dear autumn: please, stay. keep the humid temps away but don't let winter come too soon either.your company is so welcomed for as long as possible. i love the crunchy leaves and the chill in the air and that you allow me to welcome my favorite chunky of infinity scarves like this one from ecoshag.

dear red lipsticks of all shades: you continue to be my favorite all year long.

dear taylor swift. your music makes me want to dance around the office and in my car and in public locations all day long. i know every one asks this of you but...can we hang out one day? mmmkay, cool.

dear blog: for the millionth time over, sorry that i haven't been around as often. it's not personal. i'm working on this whole juggling life over here.

dear running shoes: what i said in "dear blog." not personal.

dear peanut butter cookies: how do you manage to make your way into my schedule in the way that blogging and running shoes can't seem to?

dear halloween: my most favorite part about you this year is that i look forward to seeing my nieces in their halloween costumes this year. #proudauntoverherepeople

dear weekends: you are literally God's gift to mankind especially when you are accompanied with husband, sweatpants and netflix.

much love.

{happy monday, friend.}

the obsession continues.

2014-10-09T17:41:00.004-07:00

i believe i've raved about my little buddy on a previous post. ah, yes. right ova here.

now, i'm not going to lie. my little green iphone 5c is my buddy throughout the day, but when momma comes home from her long day of work and wants to veg out on our favorite red couch or under my comfy comforter or even out on the patio and just want to scour the world of pinterest on a larger screen, the Dell Venue 8 Intel Tablet is my buddy.

like i've mentioned before, the pictures and words on this screen are crisp and the processor makes flipping from one screen to another flawless. we have a second tablet in the house but this one steps that one up a notch.

besides reading my favorite books on the kindle app, my other favorite app to use on my Dell tablet is the Pinterest app. gah! especially now with the appearance of fall, i LOVE pinning autumn fashion inspiration and fall desserts (pumpkin-everything, please!).

what are your current favorite things to pin?

much love.
{happy friday, friend.}

#spon: I'm required to disclose a relationship between our site and Intel. This could include the Intel Corporation providing us w/content, product, access or other forms of payment.

all sorts of giggles and laughs and side-stitching goodness.

2014-09-04T16:37:00.005-07:00

headband: c/o miss giggle buns / tank: forever21 (old) / lipstick: mac "ruby woo"

yesterday i made a customer laugh so hard that i got myself dying laughing and we probably laughed for a full 10 minutes before i was able to finish processing her transaction.

when my family came to visit Ryan and i a few weeks ago, we were all crying laughing in the family SUV over some old inside joke. we couldn't breath and us girls had mascara running down our faces.

during laser tag last night with our church youth group, lots of laughter ensued as we all ran into each other in the dark, shooting laser beams at each other.

this morning i reminded my students that in the midst of life's serious madness, we all need to stop and laugh.

it's really good for one's soul.

you should try it sometime, friend.

and speaking of giggles, be sure to check out my dear friend's aaaaaah-maaazing shop called (so appropriately!) miss giggle buns. talk about an incredible collection of every headband print and style imaginable. and every headband is made in the utmost quality at a super affordable price.

oh and if you do visit the shop, you might see some familiar gorgeous faces (check them out HERE and HERE)! *wink*

much love.

{happy thursday, friend.}

bullet points.

2014-09-02T16:20:00.005-07:00

t-shirt: c/o sundried / jeans: gap / shoes: c/o blowfish shoes

people get tired of hearing how busy other people are. it's funny how "i'm so busy" is a way of fulfillment or value in our society. i know i'm guilty of that. so i'm going to spare everyone the details. yes, life has been busy but it's also been rich and full and the value of busyness really does not exist without the joy of relationships and small moments of quiet and laughter and being still. thankful to have had a chance to experience lots of both lately.
three day weekends are never long enough but it's def nice to have a four day work week ahead of us.
i'm finally adjusting in my schedule of part-time teaching a the local high school and working my full-time job. finding balance can be a struggle until you get to that point, but when you finally find your footing, it's a very good, refreshing thing.
i'm obsessed with this aztec print shirt from my favorite organic t-shirt company, sundried. the quality and the feel of this shirt is absolutely amazing and they never go wrong with their awesome designs. be sure to check them out HERE! (also be sure to follow them via facebook and twitter for updates, too!)
i'm so ready for fall. boots. sweaters. scarves. cooler temps. bring it. i remember when i was whining for summer days and summer clothes and summer vacation. i'm over it. bring on, autumn!
what about them Georgia Bulldawgs?! incredible, mind-blowing win last weekend. and what about that Gurly-man?! LOVE him! looking forward to one rocking season, dawgs!

and i know, i haven't been as present as i used to online but fill me in on your own bullet points of life in the comments below. let's catch up! always love hearing from you, friends and really appreciate those of you that still stop by. xoxo!

much love.

{happy tuesday, friend.}

DSW Shoe Hook-Up: Back to Class Part #3 + Contest Winner Announced!

2014-08-12T15:43:00.004-07:00

oversized sweatershirt: c/o boxie tees / dress: base exchange (old) / backpack: forever21 (borrowed from my sister) / teva sandals: c/o dsw / spike earrings: c/o calypte collection

with all the rain that we were getting last week, we actually felt some cooler temperatures for a change. we still experienced some humid southern afternoon weather over the weekend, but the cool morning air was delightful - to the point that i was able to grab myself my newest favorite over sized sweater. it's the perfect shade of powder blue and is oh, so comfy! plus it's the perfect layering piece to go with my go-to black cotton dress turned skirt. and while we are talking favorites, i love my spiky earrings that add the right amount of edge to this outfit, don't you think?

and please, can we flashback to jr. high for just a moment?! who ever said the 90's would never make a comeback?! the recent fashion trends continue to prove that person (buzzer sound insert here) wrong!

these tevas are the perfect touch of continued comfort. sure, they are perfect for those wild outdoor adventures (and for jr. high flash backs) but the pop of bright blue plus pink plus comfort made this a must for this ensemble.

and btw today we are announcing the winner from the photo/video back to school contest! wait for it...drum roll, please!...the winner of my DSW contest is Elyse Tooley who featured her sweet Back to Class via Twitter HERE! congrats, Elyse! i'll be shooting you an email with the details so you can start shopping!

but hey, to all those who entered, you're still a winner in mine and DSW's eyes since part of your entry included joining DSW rewards! you're pretty much a winner with all the great perks you get for being a pat of the coolest back to school group ever. and if you aren't a member, don't wait a second longer! click HERE to join in on all the fun! you don't want to miss out!

last but not least be sure to check out the rest of the DSW Back to Class gang! this is our last and final week of back to school outfits and more DSW contest winners to be announced - so be inspired as we wrap up this super fun series:

this post was sponsored by DSW though all my opinions are def my own! thanks for supporting the sponsors that keep this blog rolling!

much love.

{happy wednesday, friend.}

DSW Shoe Hook Up: Back to Class Part 2 (and a contest to win FREE DSW shoes!)

2014-08-05T16:03:00.003-07:00

dress: c/o lulu*s / camera bag: c/o jototes / necklace: yellow heart art / sneakers: c/o dsw / lipstick: radiant cosmetics (moscow)

there was a time in my life, i kid you not, that you would not catch me dead rocking a pair of sneakers with a dress. heels, yes. wedges, yes. flats, yes. but sneakers then, no. absolutely heck no.

but people change, don't they? and lately, sneakers and dresses are becoming a routine favorite especially when it comes to these classic white converse sneakers. i love how you can rock them with anything. they are comfortable and just too cute to pass up with a pair of cut off shorts, cuffed jeans, and - wait for it! - even caaaaa-uuuute dresses.

and did you know dsw is giving you a chance to grab your own pair of converses? or really any pair of dsw shoes 'cause they are giving away a $50 DSW gift card. i say that's better than money! here's why:

1) you hafta to spend. with gift cards, you can't put in a bank account or spend it on food or rent or gas (unless you have a gc for those things, duh).

2) you hafta to spend it on shoes. dsw shoes to be exact. second duh.

and this is a super easy contest to get in on! first, like i mentioned last week, sign up for dsw rewards. super easy! sign up and DONE! first step complete. i'll even include the sweet link HERE to make it easy for you and the link to the actual registration form HERE. and then the fun part: take a picture of your back to school style and upload it to facebook, instagram or twitter and hashtag it with #DSWShoeHookup.

and BAM! there's your chance for that $50 FDW gift card. come on. you are uploading back to school pictures already (i know you!) so just enter already, folks!

once you've done all that, enter RIGHT HERE, not here...but HERE (or the other right here) and i'll draw a winner next week. i'll be announcing on August 13th! enter as many times as you want! and be sure to tag @muchloveilly in your posts 'cause i wanna see!

and last but not least, don't forget to check all the other sweet bloggers continuing to show off their back to school style. seriously, they are some of my favorites!

this post was sponsored by DSW yet all my opinions are completely my own!

much love.

{happy wednesday, friend.}

DSW Shoe Hook-Up: Back to Class!

2014-07-29T20:00:00.002-07:00

top: c/o Boxie Tees / skirt: c/o Lulu*s / boots: c/o DSW / glasses: UO

back to school. yes, i was one of those nerds that actually loved going back to school. i love going back to school shopping with my mom and sister. i held tightly to that shopping list that the school distributed. and i still can't help but reminiscence those days when i run into a target and see all the students and parents scrambling over the discounted notebooks and crayons.

but i have also been a sucker for back to school trends. it also means that fall is just around the corner which means time for sweaters and scarves - oh, my! i also love me some nerd glasses (neeeerd! i told you!) and backpacks and plaid! and last but not least, i love me a good pair of booties that i can transition to from the warmer days of summer and into the early days of fall. and here in the south, we don't deal too much with snow (sorry, Chicago friends!) so the Steve Madden Rubin booties in cognac that i'm rocking with this outfit is the perfect pair for that exact purpose! they are comfy and i actually remember owning an very similar pair back in my old-school (literally) days.

want your own pair? be sure to rush over to DSW and snag your own pair! DSW is my personally one-stop shop when it comes to a great pair of shoes at affordable prices. i don't think i've lived in a town where there wasn't one at least in driving distance, but if you don't have one in your area, they have an awesome website with the exact same shoes in stock at the same discount prices.

and one more thing: if you are a DSW Rewards Member, you get even more discounts?! i don't know about you but i am all about saving money. every penny counts, right? get started HERE and join me to getting a ton of perks (including points galour that can add up to a new pair of DSW shoes and even a sweet birthday gift and even more!). it's a super sweet program - and get this: next week, i'm hosting a contest next Wednesday that does require you to be a DSW member! but it's total win-win 'cause 1) you'll get the perks of being a member to a super cool programs 2) you'll be eligible to enter a contest that may or may not (but more may) include a pair of DSW shoes!

i mean, come on. it's a total win-win-win, as michael scott would say.

don't forget to follow all the other bloggers involved and see how they've styled their DSW hook-ups! check out their blogs below or follow the hashtag #DSWShoehook all across social media!

thanks to DSW for sponsoring this post. all opinions are all my own.

much love.

{happy wednesday, friend.}

thank goodness, i'm not a celebrity.

2014-07-15T19:34:00.004-07:00

top: c/o taylor and stylist / shorts: aeropostle / necklace: c/o eve's addiction / trainers: c/o jd trainers

where to even begin? this has been one caaaaa-razy summer. i feel like i have overused the word whirlwind to describe my summer...but that does not make it nonetheless true.

soooo whirlwind, it is.

from the madness of a fast-paced job to preparing for an awesome ministry opportunity this upcoming fall to visiting my parents and sister in South Carolina over 4th of July weekend to (last but not least!) moving to a new apartment over this past weekend. (raise your hands to the roof!)

whew. i feel like i need to catch a breath even after typing all of that.

which made me randomly thing: can you imagine a life of a celebrity? whether an actress? to the president of the US? to anybody who's schedule is jammed packed by their agent or publicist - or really someone other than yourself? you want to go take a nap and somebody is like um, no. you have to go hang out with barbara walters for that interview. or you want to just go get a quick work out in but then someone else is like no, you have to go hang out with taylor swift even though you don't want to but it'll get your instagram likes up and you can use the extra exposure!

and you just want to say, i'll hang out with taylor swift when i want to! i just want to take a freakin' nap!

but because i'm not a celebrity and though my life is crazy busy, i can still go take a nap and go work out or read a book of snuggle with my husband because i freakin' can.

thank goodness, i'm not a celebrity.

p.s. and though i'm not a celebrity, who can give away millions of dollars, i am your friend and a blogger who can let you know of super sweet coupon codes like the one that my friends over at Eve's Addiction is offering exclusively to Much Love, illy readers! check out my swaaaaag monogramed necklaed from them that i am absolutely obsessed with it. i wear it like every day. so if you want your own sweet swag necklace, you can use coupon code MUCHLOVE20 for 20% off of ANY order through July 31. happy shopping!

currently.

2014-06-26T19:39:00.004-07:00

striped tee: forever 21 / maxi skirt: h&m / heels: c/o Blowfish Shoes

loving: this black maxi skirt. it's become my goal every week to come up with a new outfit centered around this skirt. it is also my goal not to wear it every day of the week.

reading: just finished The One, the third book in The Selection series by Kierra Cass. it's a super, light fluffy fun read but worth it for the story and for team Maxon. and last night, i picked up my copy of The Glass Castle that has been sitting on my nightstand, collecting dust for years until a friend recently recommended it so i decided what the heck! let's get the dustbunnies to find another place to land. and even though i'm only a few chapters in, the writing is fantastic and the story intriguing so will def follow-up with a review either here or on instagram once i finish.

eating: cherries, blueberries and despicable me fruit snacks. no joke, the despicable me fruit snacks are the best fruit snacks ever (thank you, tanya and robertson boys.) and this is not necessarily in the eating category, but i have been drinking a lot of cucumber water. i'm obsessed. it's a great for detox but i just love the taste of it. so much better than plain, boring water!

watching: not the World Cup. sorry. watching paint dry might be more exciting. (sorry to offend 75% of you all.) as i type, i'm currently re-watching When Harry Met Sally. old school Meg Ryan and Nora Ephron writing. sigh. i never get tired of it. and oh! got super giddy about season 4 of Pretty Little Liars on netflix. finally.

listening: The Fault in Our Stars soundtrack on repeat. can't stop listening to Boom Clap and Let Me In. and oh, when is the DVD coming out again 'cause that needs to be on repeat in my DVD player, too.

looking forward to: so so so much! there are some exciting changes and opportunities on the horizon *giddy clap* that Ryan and i are anticipating this summer. (nope, not pregnant. just gonna throw that out there 'cause i know what some of you are already thinking. ha! and we are moving along.) can't wait to share more as these adventures unfold!

what are you currently up to? do share! and as always inspired by the lovely Danielle of Sometimes Sweet!

much love.

{happy friday, friend.}

when i'm obsessed, i'm REALLY obsessed.

2014-06-23T17:40:00.001-07:00

world's most amazing maxi skirt with pockets: H&M / top: forever 21 / rings: pandora, forever 21, and the most incredible husband eva / watch: c/o feral watches / tablet: c/o Intel Tablet

So as you all know when I'm obsessed with something, I am beyond OBSESSED! So of course after watching The Fault In Our Stars, I def had to re-read the heart-wrenching, painfully beautiful love story between Hazel Grace and Augustus Waters. Son when then lovely people from Intel set me this super awesome Dell Venue 8 tablet, the first app I downloaded was the kindle app.

And yes I already own a kindle and absolutely love it. Its one of my prized possessions. All of those books and all of that immediate access to any book at the touch of a finger. Magic, I tell you. However I let my mother in law borrow my kindle because she wanted to get her hands on TFIOS (since every library had their copies checked out with a waiting list three miles long. not surprised)...so what better time to test this tablet out!

And for reeeeaaaals, it is one of my favorite features...especially since the one downside to my kindle is that I can't read in the dark. With this tablet and the kindle app, even if Ryan is already asleep, I can swipe from page to page in the dark - with the covers over my head. Duh.

The 8 inch screen is especially fabulous and as much as I am a blogger, I don't completely understand all things techy but whatever processor is in this little magic tablet, makes the swiping and the switching from apps to windows is lightning fast. Quickness for me is always a major thumbs up.

My friends at the Intel Tablet Crew sent me this amazing tablet, and so I'll be checking into this blog again super soon to let you know my continued experience in the next couple of weeks. Thanks for letting me share!

Learn more about Intel Tablets!

much love.

{happy monday, friend.}

#spon: I'm required to disclose a relationship between our site and Intel. This could include the Intel Corporation providing us w/content, product, access or other forms of payment.

summertime loving.

2014-06-10T16:02:00.000-07:00

bag: madwell / sandals: steve madden / hat: lulu*s / tank: urban outfitters / sunglasses: michael kors / skirt: one stop plus

during my lunch breaks, i try to make my way outdoors to get a breath of fresh air but lately, the Georgia temperatures have definitely been rising...to the point that i'm literally melting. apparently, spring made a pit spot and headed straight out the door as summer seems to already be barging its way in.

anyone else know what i'm screaming? word.

and recently, i've been finding myself drawn to looser pieces of clothing. not necessarily less but def looser; however IMHO the less clothing sticking to you, the better. i've been on the look out for some new maxi skirts to stock up in my closet similar to the navy blue striped by one stop plus in the above collage. maxi skirts are one of fashion's greatest inventions, don't you think? comfy. flattering. and the point of all of this: airy and loose and cool.

i also love a white tank especially with sassy, fun print - and who can say no to summer accessories like a colorful sandal, floppy hat, aviators and the coveted madewell leather bag?! if summer is going to make an early appearance, i'm going to be fashionably prepared.

stay cool, my friends. peace. xoxo.

what are your favorite spring to summer transition pieces?

much love.

{happy friday, friend.}

soak it up.

2014-06-05T15:48:00.001-07:00

dress: HM / sandals: c/o Blowfish (last season) / necklace: c/o prettiesbymeg / watch: c/o feral watches

so i got to admit something.

all of those years that i was ready to be done with school - including high school and college - and i just couldn't wait to be on my own with a job and my own place and taking care of myself...i am kicking myself now for not savoring those days. you know why?

because i had what kids today (and what i did then) take for granted: SUMMER VACAAAAATION.

sure, when you are an adult, you can take vacation when you want. in the middle of february or early september. if you want to. but then you got to work to take those vacations. but when you are a kid in school, all you had to worry about was school.

funny how things that we worried about years before or yesterday is not a big deal. and things today that stress and worry me, may seem petty thirty years from now. i'll be a little, hunch-back 80 year old lady, shaking my head and laughing at younger version of me. while right now i want to tell my 16 year old self, soak up those summer days, baby! while my older self will probably see my current self the way i see my younger self.

back to the future moment. whoa.

and i hear you have to have babies and then they grow up and go to school and when they get summer vacation, you get summer vacation (if you're not working full-time). might have to consider that plan.

eventually.

anyways i'm preaching to the choir, yo. so here's to soaking up the summer days of a 29 year old because later on, i'll probably covet them as much as i covet the summer days of sweet 16.

speaking of soaking up the summer days, i'm off to see Fault in Our Stars. kleenex box in hand. peace out!

much love.

{happy thursday, friend.}

first thing's first, i'm the realest (realest).

2014-05-25T15:14:00.002-07:00

dress: c/o sheinside / shoes: tjmaxx / lipstick: nars heatwave

and now that's been said, i have to say that i can't stop ~~rapping~~ singing that song. i can't promise that i have all the words down like my girl, iggy but i def pump the volume up in my car when that beat starts pounding my speakers. I'M SO FANCY! YOU ALREADY KNOW! I'M IN THE FAST LANE FROM LA TO TOKYO!

speaking of fast lanes, the past month has been one big fast lane but such is life and i like it that way - especially that past of the month where the husband and i made like one giant forest and escaped to a long blissful week in the paradise called Turks and Caicos!

pinch me. did that really happen?

the pinching of my epidermis is still happening a week after the trip.

and though i totally spammed my instagram with my Turks pictures, i'll probably spam more here with my non-phone pictures. what? non-phone cameras still exist? yes, they do and i am determined to not get sucked into the laziness of camera phones. and don't get me wrong. i love my iphone camera a lot. check my IG. you know this. but just wanted to give you fair warning, THERE ARE MORE PICTURES OF THAT TURQUOISE BLUE PARADISE AND I WILL VIRTUALLY VOMIT THEM ALL OVER THIS BLOG.

it's coming. you were warned.

in other news, in bullet format 'cause Ryan wants to watch a movie that we need to return to a Redbox kiosk before 9pm so we don't charged the extra $1:

1) i think that every weekend should be a three day weekend.

2) the newest xmen movie was a def highlight of the weekend. #jlawkicksbutt

3) when i first heard denim dresses were making a comeback, i scrunched my nose and said no, the 90's are not making a comeback to my wardrobe. ha! i always say that about things i hate at first whether music or food or tv shows and next thing you know i'm obsessed. so yes, when i saw discovered this gem of a denim dress on sheinside, i fell head over heels and even more smitten when i slipped it on and wore it to church this morning. it's the perfect fit and the perfect weight of denim - not too heavy - for the humid summer days to come. and last but not least, IT HAS POCKETS.

4) and speaking of 90's, why have i been browsing the birkenstock website multiple times a day. somebody stop me.

5) other current obsessions include: cucumber water. short haircuts. summer flavored twizzlers.

and lifting my glass of ice cold cucumber water, cheers to the rest of this fantastic three day weekend! everybody stay safe, have fun and remember the men and women who sacrificed so much so that we could possess the freedom to take the day off from work and eat burgers and sleep in an extra couple of hours.

much love.

{happy sunday, friend.}

a little white dress, running out the door, and other weekend ramblings.

2014-05-04T19:12:00.003-07:00

dress: belk / denim jacket: urban outfitters / shoes: c/o blowfish shoes / bag: c/o chicnova / bracelet: c/o fair ivy / watch: feral watches / lipstick: nars (heatwave)

there's nothing like a little white dress that screams spring. this white eyelet dress has been screaming at me from my closet to be worn for the last three months. literally. hung off to the side apart from my other dresses. since march, yes. but the southern georgia weather didn't cooperate.

except for this weekend...when it indeed in fact did. the weather has been warmer, promising the heat of summer yet still blowing a light, spring breeze to keep the heat from sticking on one's skin for too long.

and it was one of those weekends that i admit makes me heart a bit heavy. not that it was a bad weekend. it was a really, reeeeaaally good one. Ryan and i had some lazy moments of laying out on a blanket in our front lawn with books and tall, full glasses of ice water, soaking in the tease of summer. we also made it to the theater to see The Amazing Spiderman 2. (and oh, andrew and emma. you two make me giggle and cozy up even closer to Ryan every single time. i love you guys.) and to top it off, we sat outdoors and enjoyed our fill of Chipotle. extra white rice. no beans. load up the chicken, sour cream, cheese and lettuce and you can call it heaven.

and i even enjoyed a Saturday morning run, pushing out another 4 miles out of me. (side note: sorry if that phrase pushing out makes you think of birthing. that was unintentional; however, doesn't make the statement any less true. lately the love/hate relationship with running has transitioned to less love. not that i don't love running anymore. it just has taken a little more effort to keeping it a part of my less flexible schedule. so it def has deserved more of a mental push to tie up those shoe laces and get out the door. but hey, that's the key, right? actually getting out the door. runners unite! do i hear an amen?) dang, it felt good.

goodbye, weekend. you've been another good one.

much love.

{happy sunday, friend.}

transition.

2014-04-14T17:34:00.002-07:00

sweater: forever 21 / dress: belk / sandals: c/o blowfish shoes / necklace: c/o pretties by meg / lipstick: NARS heatwave

hello? is anyone else still out there?

i'm still here. i promise.

i don't mean to be away for so long. life has just been go! go! go! i've honestly had to find my footing in the new transition of my work schedule and everything else that i'm juggling at once. to be honest, the first month of studying and then learning the new job was tough. like really tough. and a part of my heart ached as i wasn't able to dedicate as much time into writing or blogging like i used; however i knew transitions don't always last forever. they are what they are - transitions - and it just takes a little bit of time (sometimes a lot) to transition and to adjust and to learn from the season of transition.

through this transition and change of schedule and pace of life, i was brought back to the days of when we moved around as a military. we moved every few years and there was always that moment of transition. there were moves where the transition into our new life took a year, other times only a few months...but like every other transition before, it did't last forever.

so i reminded myself of those days as i transitioned into this new phase of life.

and that's not to say i'm completely transitioned but i will say that i am adjusting and feel like i've grasped my balance and routine a little better than the first few weeks. i'm learning lots of new things (with my job and also personally things that God has been bringing to light in my life) and the place that i am in right now gives way to some possible exciting adventures for mine and Ryan's future. God's faithfulness has continued to be so evident in this weird season that i had never expected.

weird, not in a bad way, but i guess this is repetitive but rather...unexpected.

so that's kind of where i am.
how about you, friend?
fill me in on what's new with you. i'd love to know. xoxo

much love.

{happy tuesday, friend.}

these are a few of my favorite things.

2014-03-27T19:27:00.001-07:00

blazer: c/o sheinside / jeans: american eagle / shirt: c/o sundried / lipstick: NARS heatwave / boots: c/o dsw / watch: fossil

when i threw off my normal week night schedule and went to see divergent with one of my girlfriends and we laughed and ate buttery popcorn and drank ice-cold tap coke.

when i realized that theo james was the same guy who played the turkish ambassador in downton abbey. gasp!

when i rocked this blazer one too many times this week because it's the perfect shade of black and fit (a good blazer is hard to find, i tell ya).

when i was hit my 4 mile stride again in tonight's run after work.

when one of my favorites friends in the world finally announced her exciting news to the world.

when i discover a new favorite grey t-shirt like this one from my friends at sundried (so comfy!).

when my highschool d-group and i giggled about awkward stories and relationships and life and girly things while drinking our favorite starbucks drinks.

when my sister sends us the most adorable pictures of baby Lux (who is not really a baby anymore - she's growing up so fast!).

when spring shoved winter aside and decided to show its face again.

when my husband and i fist pump each other at work every day.

much love.

{happy friday, friend.}

p.s. are you Stephanie Whitehouse 'cause you just won the London Retro giveaway! shoot me an email at muchloveilly at gmail dot com with the London Retro sun/glasses of your choice and be sure to include our mailing address so we can get them to you asap! congrats to Stephanie and thank you, London Retro for a rocking giveaway! (if i do not hear back within a week, i will redraw a new winner - thanks for all who participated!)

when others shuddered.

2014-03-24T19:21:00.005-07:00

last saturday morning brought me back to the my saturday mornings when i lived in Chicago. with a book in hand, i disappeared into a Starbucks (downing a vanilla macchiato - my new fave!) and became enraptured by this recently released book, When Others Shuddered written by one of my favorite college professors and friend, Jamie Janosz.

When Others Shuddered is a compilation of eight stories about eight women who were ordinary and determined and refused to give up on life, on personal struggles or on their dreams. these women brought me back to the historic days of skirts that trailed the dusty ground and when education was viewed only for men; however, skirts and social boundaries did not keep these women's passions from spurring them forward. it was their faith in God that gave them the strength, compassion and love to do the work they were called to do - from loving the unlovable to accomplishing what seemed to be impossible.

growing up in a Christian environment, there were a few stories that i was familiar with ; however, Mrs. Janosz' gave me fresh insight on the familiar stories as well as introduced me to some brand new ones. my favorites were the ones on Emma Dryer and Nettie McCormick, two women who became a personal inspiration to me.

the beautifully narrated stories of these women's lives reiterated that these were ordinary women with hearts that yearned for more than this world could offer them. they weren't perfect women but they surrendered their lives to God, allowing Him to use them - from helping so many helpless people during the Chicago Fire or crafting gorgeous hymns for generations to sing or sharing His love through teaching His Word and assisting in laying the foundation to very college i attended!

to be honest, it's been a rough couple of weeks for me. transitioning to a new job. making decisions about the future. learning to trust God with the unknown. but what i'm thankful for is the timing that this book arrived in my hands and thankful for the stories that spoke volumes in that just because life is hard, doesn't mean that it is impossible to tackle. it truly is amazing to see what God can do in the willing hearts and lives of ordinary women - women just like you and me.

much love.

{happy tuesday, friend.}