Summertime and the dressin's easy (feat. a big bright bag from Lulus.com!)

What's your favorite thing about summer? Mine is the dresses. I have a huge aversion to basically anything that cuts off the circulation to the crotch area, both in terms of blood and air. Is this appropriate to discuss on one's blog? Probably not. But it's true. I see these young girls wearing itty bitty shorts so tight it must be uncomfortable, and I physically cringe. Maybe I'm a product of working from home for too long now, but those shorts are my idea of a really bad time.  

Anyway, here's what I call a quintiscential summer outfit. Bright colors, florals, an oversized bag (the only kind for me) and lots of air and blood flow. Win. Win. 

Juicy Details Coral Red Handbag: c/o Lulu's.com, Dress: Target, Sandals: Nordstrom Rack

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Marolsha giveaway

Today's giveaway is from Marolsha - a shop very near and dear to my heart. Maddy (the designer behind Marolsha), has been a Story of My Life supporter almost as long as this blog has been around, and I have loved watching her shop grow and grow. Marolsha pieces are beautiful and affordable, and whoever wins today's contest can buy themselves 30 dollars worth of their favorites. Good luck!

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As of late

Month one of living with Mom has been peaceful. We have constructed an elaborate gate system to separate Gracie and Cooper from poor Norman, and I think (I hope!) nobody has stepped on anybody's toes yet during said familial cohabitation. But the summer is young.

We stop by the site of our new home once per week, and so far the only progress is that it's being used as the dumping ground for the construction going up next door, though it has now finally been staked out, too. We hold onto these threads of hope like a lifeline. ;) Really, though, I'm just being dramatic. It has been painless to live with my mom, and we are so thankful she has the space (and patience) for us. But there's nothing like your own place, and we're excited to see more progress in the months to come. 

Other than that, life is exceedingly uneventful. Matthew has just a couple more months before he is DONE with law school. Well, sort of. He doesn't officially graduate until fall (and then the bar), but he's mostly done in August. I can hardly believe the amount of work he's put in. Can I brag for a minute? The guy took seven classes last semester, and got seven A's. SEVEN. Only those of you who know a little about law school know what kind of a ridiculous feat that is. I am so proud of him. 

Here's a few more photos from this weekend... it was a really nice one, consisting of homemade mango margaritas and peach pie, an elaborate "snack night," watching my sister-in-law perform in a fabulous dance show, and the most splendid sunset last night. 

Happy Monday.... :)

peach pie recipe here

Yep, Kelsey is the smokin' hot blonde in the middle. This was my first time seeing her perform (she's been dancing forever), and I was blown away... and also super jealous of her incredible dancer's bod. Hmmph.

Weekend wishes + Friday Features

Good morning, my friends, and welcome to Friday. I have to be quick today because I'm headed out to get a haircut (a momentous occasion in my life every time), so I'd really just like to wish you a fabulous weekend and send you over to some truly excellent blogs that also happen to be Story of My Life sponsors. Check these ladies out, and be sure and drop them a note of appreciation for what they're doing over there in their respective spaces. Happy weekending! :)

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Between Dreams is lovely place on the web by an even lovelier lady named Allie. Allie is one inspiring girl who's determined to bring light to your life, too (speaking of light, check out her breathtaking latest post!), and she does this with positivity like this Stop Doing List, among many other make-you-think posts. Between Dreams is a big dose of inspiration and a little peek into Allie's beautiful Canadian life. It is impossible not to love this blog and the beautiful author behind it!

Blog | Facebook | Twitter

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Candida is the stunningly gorgeous brains behind Merch Maven, a blog based in Portland, Oregon that showcases Candida's stellar personal style and love affair with fashion. If you're anything like me you'll be mesmerized by her exotic look, but luckily, the outfits live up to Candida's beauty, as well, and Merch Maven truly is an great place to stop in for fashion inspiration and, of course, to get to know this lovely lady.  Here and here are a couple of my favorite outfit posts, so go get busy. ;)

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The Egg is a fabulous little blog by Meagan in Wyoming (check out some photos from around her hood here!), and on this space you can expect a smorgasbord of life, style, and humor. Want to read the best, shortest, and funniest love story ever? Head right on over here. Also, Meag's guy is a brilliant carpenter and I already pinned the crap out of this post. Matthew is so making this for me, so help me God! ;)  Head on over and say hello to Meagan.

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My first Stitch Fix

Good morning my friends, and first let me apologize for the post about to come. The photos are in the backyard, I just rolled out of bed, had barely had coffee and no morning sustenance, my face is puffy, and yet for some reason I still thought it was a good idea to take outfit photos. Clearly my early morning judgement is impaired.

BUT, I am just so excited to share my first Fix with you! I can't help myself. Have you heard of it? Stitch Fix? By now you probably have. It's this cool deal where you fill out a style profile and your size and everything, and a personal stylist takes everything into account and sends you five items that you can either purchase or send back in a prepaid package. All you pay is a $20 styling fee for each Fix, which is subtracted from the price of any item(s) you decide to keep. Such an ingenious new form of shopping, right? It's just fun, to see what will show up at your door! I'm only keeping one of my five items this time, but after each fix you can give feedback and adjust your profile so your stylists are sure to send items you love!

So today I wanted to share with you all of the items I received in my first Fix - even the ones I hate and will be sending back post haste. Here we go!

Item #1. Martin Printed High-Lo Skirt

I love the idea of this skirt, the feel of it, and the pattern. But I hate it on. Hate is a strong word, but I mean every little bit of it. I HATE these kinds of skirts on me. I'm a curvy petite girl (read: weight goes straight to my ass and hips), and these skirts that poof out on top simply do not work on me. Also, I despise the high-low trend. Despise it. So this one's a no for me.

(you should see the photos I did not post - the skirt is just so not flattering.)

Items # 2. 3. and 4. Callie Denim Jacket, Dovette Draped Detail Dress, and Hinge Chain Multi-color Necklace.

None of these items are terrible, but I already have an almost identical jacket, so that one's out. I do think the necklace is really cute, but since I'm on a budget and the colors in the necklace aren't my favorite, I think I'll pass on this one too. As for the dress, the fabric in the front befuddles me. I feel like I'm wearing a Miss America pageant sash or something. The fit is nice overall, but I'll be passing on this one, as well.

Item #5. Baily Multi Color Striped Shirt. Ding ding ding! We have a winner. I LOVE this shirt. Absolutely everything about it. The material is lovely, the fit is perfect, and the pattern and colors are great. I'll be purchasing this one and sending the rest back. 

Then I'll wait patiently for my next Fix. This could be addicting, y'all...

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*This post is in no way paid or sponsored, though I do earn referral credits towards my next purchase if you sign up for Stitch Fix through this link.  I'll love you forever if you do! ;)

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PS - Winners of the Fairytale Formula ebook giveaway have been emailed! If you weren't one of them, it's not too late to sign up for your free part one (click green button!) or jump all in and purchase a copy! :)

Hey Dallas, I'm talkin' to you!

Dallas peeps! I am coming to your fine city on June 29th and staying through the 30th, and if you'd like a photo session while I'm there, please let me know ASAP! Details below.

j. noel photography website

- Four mini session slots on Saturday evening, June 29th. May open more spots Sunday morning or evening, if needed.

- Each session will last 30 minutes and yield around 25 or so photos, which you will receive in an online, downloadable gallery and on disc.

- Price: $175

- Paypal deposit: $75

- Location: TBA

- Session types: families, children, couples, maternity, individual portraits (headshots for your blog or business?!), or boudoir (see below)

I just started up boudoir photography, which miiiight be my calling in life (check out the beginnings of my portfolio here!), and if you are interested in a mini boudoir session on Sunday, I'm offering that too. Boudoir sessions require a short meet and greet on Saturday evening. Email me if you have questions of if you'd like to book any of the above session types!

jnoelphotography@gmail.com 

Let's do this.

PS - If you are in Dallas and wouldn't mind spreading the word about this post, I'd be so indebted! A Facebook share perhaps? THANK YOU! :)

Off the shoulder

First day back after the brutal month of May, and I thought I'd ease in with an outfit post and giveaway for you poor things that had to read my ramblings for a month straight. Today's giveaway is for a $30 shop credit to Classic & Bubbly, an up and coming online store with beautiful, colorful pieces like the dress I'm wearing today.  I've always been so enamored with off-the-shoulder dresses and shirts... I really wanted an off-the-shoulder wedding dress, but never did find one I liked (in my price range, that is). Ah well, I'll have to make up for it with gorgeous dresses like this one. Enter the giveaway below and scroll down for a discount code to the shop!

 

Dress c/o Classic & Bubbly, discount code STORY30 for 30% your store purchase through Monday, 6/10

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