Outfit #30!

30-for-30 done and done and done!!!

Shirt and skirt: Gap. Belt: Target. Scarf: I don’t remember. Shoes: Ross — this is the first (and last) time I wore these in the challenge because we’ve had such chilly weather.

I’m really glad this challenge is done because I’m tired of having to take pictures and I’m ready to wear some new clothes (and go shopping!). But, it’s been so good, you guys. It really hasn’t been difficult to come up with new outfit combinations each day, which has surprised me. I know I could’ve gone a few more days if I needed to. It’s made me realize how much I already have — the rest of my closet looks gigantic to me now. And if I could make this many outfits with 30 pieces of clothing, I feel like my outfit combinations are endless now that the rest of my closet has opened up to me. I also have realized what items I definitely want to get — I think I’ll make fewer impulse choices because I know what I want to add to my collection. Also, I feel like I could go on vacation with a carry-on suitcase and still have a lot of cute outfits. Overall, even though it’s kind of a silly challenge, it has been an exercise in discipline, creativity and gratefulness. It really has. I liked it. But now it’s time to go get these shoes. And maybe these. And perhaps this.

Anyhoo. I have no clue what to wear today. Pressure.

Did you guys see Will Ferrell on Conan? It gets kind of dirty but overall, it was super funny. The Excalibeard runs on pure righteousness.

OK, I best be going. I’ll try to think of something interesting to post tomorrow (perhaps picture bloopers. Believe me, there are plenty).

Kristy and I had fun with the 30-for-30. Thanks for tuning in!

So Long, Farewell, Mr. Cinch

Day #29. Yes, yes, y’all!

Jeans: Gap. Shoes: DSW. Sweater, Mr. Cinch and shirt: Target.

This may be the last time you see Mr. Cinch, you guys, because I don’t think I’m wearing him for the last day! Say your sweet goodbyes in the comments. Only one more day left of the challenge! I’m really excited — mainly because I am tired of taking pics every day. No one needs to have their dirty hair displayed on the Interwebs all the time.

Friends, I was much less complainy today, even though I wanted to be.

You all have probably seen this video, but I love it so much, so I think you should watch it again. Give it a second — it’s going to space!

OK. I have things to do, like such as continuing to avoid studying, freelancing and working out. Have a good day, folks — catch you on the flip side. (That is my new catch phrase.)

Umm, Here’s My Weekend.

Y’all. This was not a good weekend for fashion. Really for getting dressed in general. (Although, Friday was pretty good.)

On Saturday I was pretty crabby because of all I have to do, and my poor friend Diana got the brunt of it while we studied at Panera. I was whiny and complainy and awful. Because of my horribleness, I pretty much just wanted to be comfy. And I wasn’t quite in the right mood to take pictures. So, here’s how Saturday’s photo shoot turned out.

Jeans: Express. Shirt: Gap: Shoes: TOMS. Sweater and scarf: Target. Crabbiness: grad school classes.

Do you see Diana and Courtney’s new coffee table? They got it at The Barn a.k.a. The Best Place on Earth.

Saturday night got about ten times better, though, because we spent the evening eating cheese and caramel and watching The Bodyguard.

You guys, I love that movie. When I was young, we taped it off of TV (so that there was less cussing) and I watched that VHS constantly. That soundtrack is wonderful, and old Frank Farmer was the best bodyguard on the market. And Ieeeeeeeeeiiiiiiiiiiiieeeeeeeeeeeeiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii will always love that movie.

So, I got over my attitude problem, but not my laziness. I’m not going to lie to you — I wore sweats the entire day on Sunday. I spent most of my time on the couch watching old episodes of Arrested Development. I felt kind of like a bum, but also, it was a lovely way to spend the day. So, I didn’t get dressed, but here is a pic of what I was planning to wear before I slept through the alarm that was supposed to get me up for church.

Sad, I know. Anyway, only two days left of the challenge!

So, Osama bin Laden is dead. This is a big deal for America — a huge victory after 9/11 and his elusiveness for so many years. Honestly, I felt happy he was gone, and I felt like justice has been served. I liked the President’s speech and I felt so proud of our troops and the work they’ve done. I still do feel that way, but I am also reminded that the Bible tells us to pray for our enemies, and that we should pray for hearts to be changed instead of delighting in death. And I mostly am reminded of this because I know that God has not shown me the justice I deserve. I am reminded that God’s mercy is so outside of my human rationality. And I’m grateful for it.

OK, I promise to get dressed today. And to be less crabby, Diana.

Have a good Monday!

Deep and Wide

Outfit #25. I went to work at Cook, so I pretended to be Professional. (Apparently I think being professional means wearing a short skirt.)

After work I stopped by to see my friendsies Kim and Bekah, and Kim was sweet enough to take my pictures for me. She made me pose on a slide. She was expressing her Artistic Potential as a photographer.

Then I decided to take a picture with a pack of cute, noisy dogs who were roaming around the neighborhood.

And one tiny puppy.

Skirt and sweater: Gap. Shoes: Steve Madden. Shirt: Forever 21. Belt and bracelet: Target.

So, like I said, I went in to do some work at David C Cook yesterday. I’m in the process of writing two years worth of preteen lessons for their new Rio curriculum. (Rio means “river” in Spanish, and our curriculum hopes to be deep and wide. It is clever, you guys.) It was great to see my old coworkers and to catch up with everyone. And it was really encouraging to hear some of the reports from the churches that are using our lessons. Our goal with this curriculum is to stay God-centered at all times and draw kids into deeper relationship with Jesus. Every lesson focuses on God’s character. For example, instead of focusing on David’s courage against the giant, we focus on what the Lord was doing through David’s situation, and what this event teaches us about who God is. We try to help the kids go deeper by asking thoughtful questions and creating a flow in the lessons that leaves freedom for the Holy Spirit to lead the kids in truth.

I didn’t know much about Sunday school curriculum before I began this project, but after seeing what’s out there, I really do believe in our product. I think it’s going deeper than a lot of other stuff, and our hope is that God is glorified as these kids better understand His Word and His work. I know I may be biased, but I think it’s good stuff. You should definitely recommend Rio to the children’s directors at your church. Like right now. OK, thanks.

You guys, I’m going to a barn dance tonight! I love barn dances! Kristy and I decided we could cheat just a little bit and get cowboy boots. So expect to see us pretending to be cowgirls in blog posts to come.

Did anyone stay up to watch the royal wedding? What did you think? OK, it’s Friday, which means joyous times! Loves and hugs and joys!

Your friend,

Denise Ruth

Not Much To See Here

I don’t have much time, you guys, so here’s outfit #24. Least fave.

Sweater and skirt: Gap. Shoes: DSW. Shirt and belt: Target. Necklace: Forever 21.

I thought this would be a fairly relaxing week (compared to the last few), but I was wrong. There’s just so much to do, you guys! But don’t worry because I’ve managed to keep up on Friday Night Lights. Kristy and I only have four episodes left in the entire series. I will officially go into mourning once we’re done. Hopefully we won’t finish until after the 30-for-30 challenge, because I will be wearing all black and sitting shiva for a few weeks.

Did you guys see Parks and Rec on Thursday? It is definitely my favorite Thursday comedy right now, and part of the reason is Tom Haverford and his Haverfoods.

OK, I do gots to go, but I just hope you have a good day, mainly because I like you. Joves!

Alleluia!

Outfit #23. I call it mandarin sorbet. (I just decided to call it that. Just now.)

Sweater and Jeans: Gap. Shirt: Ross. Shoes: Payless. Belt: Target. Necklace: Forever 21. Bracelet: my mom sent it to me yesterday!

I had to write a little journal entry for one of my classes, and I decided to share it here on the bloggy because the Easter service at my church last week was so meaningful to me. So, here ya go.

Like I said, I’ve been attending a liturgical Anglican church for the past few months, and it has been a new experience for me. I’ve enjoyed it in many ways — I like the repetition of the liturgy and learning about its purposes. During Lent, the service changes a bit — it is quieter and we do not say the “alleluias” that normally come at the end of the service. We are preparing for Easter and remembering what Christ did for our sake.

For Lent, I fasted from all drinks except water. Any money I would have spent on other beverages, I’ll donate to Blood:Water Mission, an organization that helps build clean wells in Africa. Fasting, even from something as simple as coffee or pop, can be difficult. But it is only when I fast that I realize how much I take for granted, how I am so used to instant gratification, how I depend on so many other things to get me through the day — other things that are not God. I like the process of Lent because it helps me anticipate when Easter is coming, when the joy of our salvation became full and realized. Every week of church during Lent we miss saying the “alleluias;” they are on the tips of our tongues but we swallow them — reminding ourselves that the day of rejoicing is on its way.

So, finally, this past Sunday was Resurrection Sunday — the atmosphere at church was joyful and excited and giddy. We shouted “alleluias” all over the place—during the liturgy, in our worship songs, randomly throughout the service. We yelled “alleluias” whenever possible because Jesus had risen — He was victorious over sin and death; He swallowed it up, took away its sting, snatched away its victory!

At church last Sunday I felt a part of the community of believers; I was shouting “alleluias” along with my fellow Christians, older and younger, and we were all a part of the same family and we were all joyful about our risen Savior’s work. God’s redeeming character brings people together. It is because of what He did that we were there at church praising Him. It is because He is good and merciful, loving and full of justice, that we came together to worship. Without His sacrifice for us, we would have nothing to celebrate. It is all because of Him.

On Easter Sunday the things I worry about — work, school, self-confidence, the future — seem trivial and foolish. It is God’s character that is worthy of praise. It is He who has taken our burden and set us free so that we can live without the chains of slavery (Galatians 5:1). It is He who shed His blood so that we could experience life with Him. On Easter Sunday, our focus is where it should be. He has defeated death and brought victory so that we can live in His mercy, grace and forgiveness. Alleluia!

Have a good Wednesday, dears!

The Happiest Place on Earth (Take that, Mickey!)

Outfit #22.

Danger.

Dress: Marshalls. Shirt: Target. Shoes: DSW. Necklace: my mom — but she gave it to me as a gift; I did not steal it. Belt: I think I got it approximately 900 years ago at American Eagle.

So, on Friday, my friend Kelsey and I met up in Castle Rock. Castle Rock has an outlet mall, which is really the only reason I ever go there. But not anymore, you guys. First of all, Castle Rock has a darling downtown. It has a main street with cute restaurant and shops, and you feel like you’re in a tiny little town in the 50s. I wished I was wearing a poodle skirt.

Castle Rock also has my new favorite store ever. It is called The Barn. It’s a large building where vendors bring all of their darling clothes, handmade jewelry, dishes, upcycled furniture, vintage loveliness, lamps, cards, magnets, window panes, kitchen supplies, beads, knobs, old books — anything darling that you can think of is available at The Barn. Anything darling. Kelsey and I thought we were just stopping by to take a quick look and the next thing we knew, it was two hours later. You should go. We went through the place once just to look at everything, and then we took a second swing through to decide what we should get. Kelsey showed extreme self control, but me not so much. I got a footstool for my living room and a chair for my bedroom. See them?

I love the chair. Soon I will show you pics of my “new” pieces integrated into my house, but I am in the process of being a nervous wreck about my room. I got that new bedspread and now that new chair, so I feel the urgent need to change everything. So, when I feel that it is satisfactorily cute, I will post more pictures than you care to see.

OK, G2G. Go visit The Barn. And take me with you. Happy Tuesday!

A Very Lot Many Tons of Pictures

Lots of pics today because I was too lazy to blog on Saturday. Days 19, 20 and 21 of the 30-for-30 challenge!

So, here’s Friday’s fit. It was a bit windy out for a shocking change. I was inspired by Kristy’s pearl perfection.

Shirt: Target. Jeans: Express. Shoes: DSW. Jacket: Forever 21. Belt: I don’t remember. Fake pearls: Target.

I didn’t really like Saturday’s outfit, and I almost forgot to take a picture altogether, so here you go.

Sweater: Target. Shirt: Target. Belt: Forever 21. Skirt: Gap. Necklace: stolen.

Yesterday was Easter, you guys! It was cold and rainy here in Colorado, but that did not dampen the celebration. He is risen indeed — alleluia!

Here I am in my springy, Easter colors.

I had been planning to wear this dress with sandals and no sweater, but Colorado thwarted my plans as usual.

Dress: Anne Taylor Loft. Sweater, belt and polka dot tights: Target. Shoes: DSW.

Church was great yesterday. I’m going to an Anglican church and it’s liturgical. During Lent we leave out the “alleluias” that we normally say. But on Resurrection Sunday, they were back and it was so great! Everyone was so joyful and excited, and it was beautiful to remember what Jesus did and how he conquered death. Then I went to my friend Kelsey’s for Easter dinner and it was just lovely. She had a beautiful spread and it was fun to see friends. Thanks, Kels!

You guys, Spiff City is not doing well. The broken hinge is spreading and now he sits all lopsided and falls over a lot. I’m not sure that he can last much longer. So, if you enjoy reading this blog, please buy me a new computer.

OK, tomorrow I will tell you about my new favorite place on earth — it is filled with joy and love and vintage and DIY.

Have a good Monday, friendsies!

Freezing and Failing

I was freezing  and a bit scowly yesterday morning when we took these pics. Sowwy.

Dress: Marshalls. Shoes: DSW. Tights: Forever 21. Sweater: Target. Mr. Cinch: BFF.

Nothing very exciting happened yesterday. I worked out twice because I am a rockstar. Whatevs. I have a big presentation today, and I feel a bit unprepared, but honestly, I can’t stand to look at my paper anymore. I really can’t. I’d rather fail. (I would get an “A” in drama, though, don’t you think?)

You guys, my house is kind of messy. I don’t like it that way, but also, I am too lazy to clean it. So if you’d like to come do some dishes or mop the floor or just tidy up a bit, it would be greatly appreciated.

Guess what my sweet mom did? She bought me a new pillow to match my new bedspread. I cannot wait for it to get here, because it is so darling. See?

OK, I’ve got to go fail this presentation. I’m not kidding. It’s all about complicated ancient beliefs and gods, and my professor is the smartest man alive, so if he asks me a question, I will just have to stare at him blankly, which will be embarrassing. And I don’t think he’ll care for the excuse that I was busy writing my 30-for-30 blog post…

Hope your day is jovely!

Sweet Sixteen

It was sunny and beautiful out for a few minutes yesterday, so we took full advantage. Here’s outfit #16.

Jeans: Express. Sweater: Gap. Shirt: Forever 21. Belt: Target. Shoes: TOMS.

Fewer taxes yesterday, so that was good.

So, I’m doing a new workout system called TurboFire. It’s a brand of kickboxing that I like, and I have a bunch of videos to take me through a 90-day program — a kickboxing version of P90x. So, I’m totally getting my workout on. Don’t even mess with me. This kit also came with a cookbook which has delicious recipes such as purple cabbage salads. Not kidding. I did try it, though, and it’s not as bad as it sounds. Purple cabbage is a little sweet, and once you add apples, walnuts, craisins, and goat cheese, it’s bearable. Although, I think I’d rather eat this red velvet sheet cake.

I am really liking this song lately. Ignore the name of the band.

Whelp, I gotta go. Question: are there any good movies in the theater? I haven’t seen one in awhile, and I would like to. OK, thank you, bye.