A new challenge

Sometimes, I feel I'm not being challenged enough, and I begin to feel like every day is the same as the one before. This is a not a good thing...but feeling the need for a challenge is!! I've decided to make a list of goals- challenges- that I've previously thought to not be doable, and I am going to share them on this blog as a way to document my successes. Not that I thought these things were impossible, I just didn't feel like making the effort. Sounds pathetic, right? Well...."pathetic" would be my clothing predicament. I've been feeling like I'm in a rut and wearing the same few "old faithful" pieces a little too often.

This past Sunday evening, while I was getting ready for church I was having one of those "wardrobe malfunctions" {ladies don't act like you don't know what I'm talking about}. I didn't have time to change my hair, since I had to be there early for worship practice. I wasn't crazy about how it looked and it also limited my outfit selections. Everything I put on just didn't "jive". But, sometimes you just have to make things work anyhow!

This is where the "challenge" idea came into place. I told myself I needed to wear a combination that I've never put together before. {Surprisingly we did not end up running late.....this sounds like a long drawn out process, but I assure you it was all in about 20 min or less}.

So this was what I came up with:

 You'll have to pardon the way I'm standing, my spiked heels where sinking in the grass because we had a very moist, dewy morning. We were in quite a rush so my husband snapped about 10 photos really quick as we ran to the car. Here's a close-up of my blouse:

I didn't realize it until after we took these photos that this outfit was quite a good deal. Skirt- $12 from Nordstrom Rack, my favorite store! {should have bought 3 of these! This skirt is simply the best basic black skirt I have ever owned!}, Silk blouse- $9.99 from ZARA {my other favorite!), Gray jacket- $15 from Forever 21, Purse (which can be a cross body or a clutch!)- $12 from Aldo, shoes- $24 by Jessica Simpson from Macy's. The skirt and jacket were Black Friday deals, the shoes were found on a shopping trip with my friend Brooke last summer, The silk blouse and the purse where some of my treasures I found on our Anniversary. On our way home from our little getaway, we stopped by Allen outlets and the Galleria, and found loads of good deals! My husband spent about $100 in the Nike store for 5 or 6 shirts, a pair of running shoes, several pairs of socks, and a few other random items. When it comes to finding good deals on clothes and shoes, he can put me to shame sometimes!! He's a a guy that actually loves shopping and finding good deals, and for that I am very glad ;-)

My next "challenge" is for both of us. I am going to plan a date night, complete with dinner, dessert or coffee, and something fun to do....for less than $25!! We'll see if it can be done! Any ideas you'd like to share, feel free to leave them in the comment section, I always love to see what others have to say!

Photo props to my husband!! Such a good sport and has a great eye when taking photos :)

Also I'd like to give some Blog Love to a blogger I love! Chandra from Momomod inspired me to this challenge, and to blog about it! She has a fantastic blog which she updates regularly with good material about style, great deals, unique finds, and keeping it modest! Check her out, and follow!

I hope I've inspired someone in some way today. If you find something even small to challenge yourself to everyday, you'll find it easier to do some things that you previously thought too complicated or too time consuming. You may find 5 new outfits that you've had for awhile, our you may come up with a new meal without having to take a trip to the store, or you may find a new way to save money. Whatever it is for you, set aside the time to make it happen just once- and find yourself saving time from now on! Thanks for reading!!

Have a great week!