Spicy Chicken Pasta With Tomato Cream Sauce

Ahhh guys, I'm just pitiful. Has half of June really gone by without a single blog post?

I suppose I have nothing but meaningless excuses to make. You know, too busy. Uninspired. But I know you don't want to hear my excuses because the truth is that maybe I've been just a bit lazy recently. You have time for the things you make time to do and that's all there really is to that!

I will say that I tried a new recipe this week and it turned out just fantastic. While we were eating, Casey said that it may just be his new favorite dish! Mine too, hubs. (Maybe I shouldn't have just said that? Oh well.)

The funny thing is that my aunt Dee commented on this picture on Facebook asking, "Is the oregano considered the vegetable? ;)" to which I just laughed and informed her that "No, of course not! There's tomatoes in the sauce, silly!"

That's when I found out that tomatoes are indeed a FRUIT and not a vegetable. Who would have known.

Anyway I'm sure you're curious as to how I made this delightful little delicousy come into being! I got the original recipe from Julia's Album AKA Pinterest. She used shrimp which actually sounds fan-freaking-tastic but I had chicken because it was cheap so that's what I used. And it turned out delicious!

I did tweak her recipe just a tad, so here is basically what I did:

Ingredients

2 TBS Olive Oil

1 LB Chicken/Shrimp

Crushed Red Pepper (depends on how spicy you like it!)

Paprika (didn't have it so I just used a little cayenne pepper/chili powder, once again to taste)

Salt

1 Small Onion, chopped (I just omitted because I didn't have one but would be good)

4 Garlic Cloves, minced

1 Can of Diced Tomatoes (or 1 3/4 cup of fresh)

1/4 cup Chicken Broth

1 TBS Basil

1/4 TS Oregano

1/2 Cup Heavy Cream

8 oz. Penne Pasta, cooked according to box directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet at medium to medium-high heat. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and cook until done, about 5-10 minutes. While it is cooking, sprinkle with crushed red pepper, a little chili powder/cayenne pepper/paprika, and salt.

2. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.

3. In the same skillet in the leftover oil, add the onion and minced garlic and cook on medium heat and cook for about 2 minutes or so.

4. Add tomatoes, chicken broth, basil and oregano. Simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with more crushed red pepper, cayenne pepper, and/or salt if needed. In the last couple of minutes, add the heavy cream and stir. Immediately remove from heat.

5. Add the chicken/shrimp and pasta to the sauce. Reheat on low to a simmer. Because of the heavy cream, stir frequently and do not bring to a full-on boil.

That's it! This recipe is decently easy, and I personally keep most of these ingredients on hand so it's fairly inexpensive also. The best part is that there are no cream of chicken soup or packet of mix or jarred sauces in this recipe, which is great if you're like me and trying to avoid as many processed foods as possible. If you're trying to avoid calories, try substituting the heavy cream for cream cheese or greek yogurt! And if you're like my Aunt D, you could easily brighten up this dish with some greens like broccoli or spinach.

Do you like to make your own homemade pasta sauces? What are your favorite recipes? :)

And if you try this one out, let me know what you think!

Skin Cleanse and the American Beauty Industry

Now let me begin this post by saying that my views on these American industries and the products they produce are (mostly) not new ones. I've just been once again reminded of the truth since reading Skin Cleanse by Adina Grigore, and I'm making the decision to do something about it. If the information in this post interests you, I would strongly encourage you to check out her book! (Literally, if you find it at the library like I did :)

About a year ago, I worked at a hair salon downtown as a receptionist. This woman didn't carry brands that you would see in most beauty shops such as Redken, Big Sexy Hair, Paul Mitchell, etc. She was really big on a brand called ColourProof, but also sold a few other ones I hadn't ever really heard of. I didn't really question it because I was mostly there to pick up the phone and clean. I later found out that the reason for her choice in products was the ingredients in them. I had never really thought of it.

It was during those months working there that I had first ever heard the word paraben. Maybe you have, but don't know what it is or why it can be harmful to you.

Let me just take a second to chime in that the beauty industry is technically under supervision of the FDA, but it is basically almost entirely unregulated. Do some reasearch, or read more about it in Skin Cleanse. I find that a little unsettling.

Parabens are chemicals that many brands in the beauty industry put in their products to kill bacteria and prevent it from growing. Sounds like a good thing. If you look at the ingredient list for your deodorant, makeup, or skincare products, you may find the words methylparaben, propylparaben, or butylparaben. If you don't, I'm sure the word "fragarance" is found. Really specific, right?

When you apply that deodorant or facial cream, the product and all of the chemical ingredients that it is made of don't just sit on your skin. They are absorbed into your pores and then into your blood stream and into your body.

The reason they are harmful is because they are one suspected cause of Breast Cancer. Parabens have been found in cancerous tumors on the breast, and researchers believe there is a link. I just recently learned from this Good Human Article that a reason parabens are dangerous in our bodies is because they are xenoestrogens, and therefore mimic the real thing, oestrogen, in the body. They're artificial and unnatural.

Most beauty products, especially those of the most popular brands, are filling their products with these and other things, such as: formaldehyde (a classified carcinogen), polyethylene/PE/phthalates (plastic), petroleum (think petroleum jelly, but it is linked to kidney and liver abnormality and damaged cell membranes), asbestos (another carcinogen), and lead/lead acetate (do a little research on the lead paints Queen Elizabeth used and how it leads to infertility, seizures, and can be fatal if consumed topically over time). I learned about these other commonly used ingredients in Skin Cleanse accredit the information to the author. The scary thing is that you may not even notice any immediate side effects, but absorbing these ingredients into your blood system every single day (think about how many products you use, including soaps, lotions, makeup, etc.) over a long extended period of time could have some harmful effects.

If you're new to the concept of avoiding these and other harmful chemicals, you may think that it's going to be extremely difficult and expensive, but it's really not! Target sells some organic/natural brands that are safe to use and at reasonable costs, including:

1. S-W Basics, created by the author of Skin Cleanse and has 5 Ingredients or less!
2. Carol's Daughter, a brand which I was just browsing last night at Target. I'm pretty sure the next time I need shampoo or conditioner, I'm going to try this brand.
3. EDEN Body Works
4. SheaMoisture
5. Tom's of Maine, this is a link to their ladies' deodorant, which I now use.
5. And more natural haircare, the page on the Target website for all paraben and other harmful-chemical free products

It doesn't get any more easily-accessible than Target! Rule of thumb is that if it doesn't state on label that it is paraben-free, it probably isn't. Be sure, however, to still read the ingredient list carefully and know what you are putting in your body.

If you're like me, you probably have a ton of products in your home that you use that have parabens, and to go buy new face wash, deodorant, shampoo and conditioner, and all other hair and skincare products would be crazy expensive. Just start with one thing at a time, or try making your own! Search on Pinterest for "DIY toner" or whatever other product you need and you'll be surprised to see how easy it can be. You probably already have most of the ingredients you need in your kitchen!

It all begins with being informed, but the choice is yours!

10 Easy Healthy Foods For The Picky Eater

I mentioned in my last post that I'm reading the book Skin Cleanse, and it has really had me thinking lately about my diet and the way I eat. Because, let's face it, I haven't exactly gained the reputation for being health-concious. The older I've gotten, the more information I've learned and the more bad habits I've been shedding.

For example, up until a year or so ago, I drank Dr. Pepper every single day like it was going out of style. For many years it was basically all I drank. Chef Boyardee, frozen pizzas, pizza in general, and candy bars were my favorite foods.

I've always been a picky eater, but I'm working on branching out, trying new things, and eating more of the healthy foods I do like.

Today I'm going to name some easy ways to incorporate healthy foods into your everyday diet that don't necessarily mean living off of raw brussel sprouts. You should know, however, that this is not necessarily a post about magical foods that will help you to lose weight. It's more about choosing healthier foods that have vitamins, minerals, and other important things our bodies need.

So if you're a picky eater like me (or are responsible for feeding one!), here are some easy ways to replace those bad eating habits with good ones:

1. Organic/Greek Yogurt. I've always loved yogurt, but it was more like the sugary kinds filled with artificial ingredients. My husband works at the Fresh Market, which is a grocery store that sells a lot of organic food options, and this is where I get mine. If you don't have a store like this in your town, I would recommend Greek yogurt, or even yogurts made from coconut or almond milk. They're better for you than say, Yoplait, even if you're not lactose-intolerant.

2. Raw Carrots. I know a lot of people who may not eat raw cauliflower, but they'll eat raw carrots. You can dip them in a dressing if you'd like!

3. Cocoa-Dusted Almonds. Landen at Measure and Whisk just recently posted a ridiculously easy recipe for these and I can't wait to try it! Almonds and other nuts in general are fantastic for you and are an easy snack to carry around with you. You could even make a trail mix with raisins or other dried fruits!

4. Baked Sweet Potatoes. Literally all you have to do is put one of these bad boys in the oven for maybe an hour or so, depending on their size. They're delicious, easy to make, inexpensive, and a great super-food for their nutritional benefits!

5. Roasted Broccoli. You can put some broccoli florets (I always recommend fresh veggies instead of  frozen or canned) on a pan, drizzle some olive oil on them, and bake them at 425 degrees F for about 10 minutes. When they're finished, sprinkle some salt, pepper, or even parmesan cheese on them if you'd like. Delicious! You can also do this with many other veggies for an easy and delicious side or snack!

6. Greek-Yogurt Covered Blueberries. I found this recipe on Pinterest, and here's the link to the recipe. It's a super easy and delicious summertime snack!

7. Overnight Oats. I've got the ingredients and this is happening at my house tonight. The basics include rolled oats, milk (I'm using unsweetened almond milk), and greek yogurt (not necessary but if you want it a bit creamier) in a mason jar overnight. Here's a link to a ton of yummy recipes, that include adding blueberries, strawberries, bananas, peanut butter, etc. to make an even better breakfast that's full of anti-oxidants, protein, fiber, and more!

8. Organic Protein Bars. I say "organic" simply because not every protein or claimed health bar on the market is necessarily good for you. I used to get Special K protein and granola bars because I thought they were good for me, but they're still full of artificial ingredients and sugar. My favorite brands are Luna Bars (70% organic) and thinkThin bars. I also like Cliff Bars, which are more widely available. They have a lot of vitamins/minerals, and are good replacement when you're craving that Milky Way. I wouldn't recommend these to be meal replacements (maybe breakfast every once in awhile if you're in a hurry) but they're really good and good for you!

9. Baked Chicken Instead of Fried. I drizzle some olive oil and add spices like sea salt, pepper, thyme, onion powder, garlic powder, and oregano on chicken breasts and bake them at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes. I sometimes bake mine a little longer because I'd rather have dry chicken than salmonella poisoning. This simple recipe is infinitely better for you than fried chicken, and you can do so many things with it! I love it on a salad :)

10. Baked Sweet Potato Chips. Okay, so I haven't tried this one yet but how could this not be delicious? All you do is slice a sweet potato into thin pieces, drizzle with olive oil, and bake at 275 for 50 minutes, flipping halfway through. I would try also adding honey and cinnamon. Yummy! And so much better for you than those processed, greasy chips!


These are simply my own ideas for how I incorporate healthier foods into my diet. Just remember the road to a healthier lifestyle doesn't have to happen overnight! I'm certainly not there yet, and I'm almost constantly learning new nutritional facts. If you were to do only one thing, it should be to drink more water and eat less sugar. I'm working on this but definitely not where I want to be!

Do you strive to eat a healthier diet? What are your favorite snacks or meal items?

Hi...still here!

Okay so I've been really bad about posting this week. In my defense, I've been working much more than usual due to inventory in our store. If you've ever worked in retail, you know how completely exhausted I am. I treated myself to frozen yogurt on Friday, as you can see above. I will try to be better about posting this week!


In the mean time, how about some random favorites?

Have you ever watched one of Estee's videos on her blog Essie Button? She's about as cute as she could possibly be. She just did a fashion haul that you should definitely check out!

I just picked up this book Skin Cleanse from the library today and I'm already I think 30 pages into it? It has been so interesting so far! I can't wait to try some of her DIY skincare recipes. It's totally an easy read too.

I have been wearing E.L.F's Smudge Pot Eyeshadow in Ain't That Sweet every. single. day. since I bought it a couple of weeks ago. It's the perfect amount of shimmer combined with the perfect neutral shade (I guess if you're pale like me?). By the way, it looks pink online but it's really not in person. For only three dollars you just can't go wrong.

I bought this adorable skirt in pink print from Old Navy when it was on sale this week for only ten dollars. Best ten dollars I've spent in awhile, I'll tell you that. It's crazy comfortable and also really cute! I'm pretty sure it's going to get some good wear this summer. Mine's an extra small because the small was strangely a little big, but it has a stretchy elastic band in case it loosens up.

The weather has been so perfect this week, around 80 degrees everyday. I'm beyond ready for summer!

How was your week? :)

Mass Nostalgia

This weekend I watched some of my best friends graduate from the Christian college I attended for 2 years, the one that my husband graduated from last year.

It was a good graduation, and I'm so happy and excited for my friends as they make decisions over the next few months regarding where God wants them to be.

It's just crazy hard to believe that four years passed so quickly. I remember packing and loading cardboard boxes filled with my belongings and taking the thirty minute trip to the college that I would attend for two years. I learned so much, and I changed as a person so much more than I ever thought possible. The college experience overall had its many up and downs, but I wouldn't have traded it for anything in the world. I made lifelong friends that mean the world to me. We crammed for tests, made happy hour Sonic runs (accidentally getting the Route 64 size ha!), talked about everything, and laughed together far more than we cried. These were some of the best years of my life.

But don't get me wrong, I love where I am now. I love my husband, our apartment, our church, and the life we're building together. I'm so excited about what God has planned for us because I just know it's going to be awesome. He's been so good to us in the area of godly friendships and I'm so thankful for that, because I know it's not something that everyone has. It was something I didn't have for a time in my life and that I don't want to take for granted now.

But time moves on, and so do we. We grow up and do different things and move to different places. But these people will forever be stamped on my heart. 

A Christian Style/Beauty Blog? Is That Even Possible?

Now, I'm going to begin this post by reminding you that this is a self-proclaimed style/beauty/Christian blog. Does that seem a little oxymoronic to you? Sometimes to me it has. If you're a Christian who struggles with the idea of having a blog that also features topics like beauty, fashion, or other things that have gained the reputation for being "vain", keep reading.

I'm a total girl. I absolutely love updating my wardrobe, learning a new way to style an article of clothing, and trying a new lip color, and I love blogs that feature posts on these topics. Here on Lace, Pearls, and Grace you will see me blog about things like this from time to time. These labels can make up one difficult combination to balance.

The reason is because blogs are a form of media, and similar to magazines like Seventeen, fashion ads, and television, they can sometimes portray that beauty is wearing the right clothes, having the ideal body washed in the perfect tan, and really just possessing things.

Our culture portrays a really messed up definition of beauty because the truth is that it's version is completely unattainable. We can't be perfect, no matter how hard we try. We are inherintly flawed due to our sin, and no amount of clothes, shoes, time in the tanning bed, or beauty products can change that. It's also important to remember that the girls in magazine ads and blog posts aren't perfect either. Their lives may appear to be perfect, but they're not. They're flawed and imperfect, too, and the truth is that they're all just searching for the same thing. We all have an emptiness inside of us that can only be filled with God.

That's what makes blogging about these topics together difficult. But can it be done? I believe so.

I believe that the key to maintaining a style/beauty blog as a Christian is to remember where you find true fulfillment, satisfaction, and joy. No, it's not in that new pair of shoes or the perfectly attained cat eye. It's in Jesus Christ. If ever I try to find these things that He alone offers in anything else, I will be left feeling disappointed and unfulfilled. But is having a love for style or beauty necessarily wrong? No, as long as you keep everything in proper perspective. God must come first, and everything else follows.

Maybe you're also a Christian blogger who happens to have a passion for these things. Or maybe yours is travel, cooking, or something else! I encourage you to keep blogging about what you love, but remember that at the end of the day, Christ is all that matters and He is the only place you will find true fulfillment.



I love reading your comments! What is your perspective on blogging? How do you keep Christ first while also blogging about the things you love?

The Top That Chose Me

So I was at Target last week, totally minding my own business, when this adorable Lily Pulitzer top in my size made its way toward me on a cart heading to the front with the other Lily returns.

"Hey, do you mind if I take that?" as I quickly snatched this little beauty into my own possession. I'm pretty sure if it had made it to the front, it wouldn't have lasted 5 minutes. So I tried it on and it was a perfect fit!

When I heard how quickly the Lily items sold out the day that they launched at Target, I literally didn't think I was ever going to own a piece. My cheap self just wouldn't fork out the money for something in one of their regular stores or on their website, so I just kind of accepted it and went on with life as it was. And honestly, I admire their styles because they're just so pretty and colorful, but I'm not necessarily one to be a brand-snob. So I was okay with not having anything Lily.

But it was 22 dollars so HOW THE HECK COULD I NOT? It's a limited edition, most likely only happening once-in-a-lifetime thing so I had to. I just had to.

When I got up to the register, I joked with the cashier about how I didn't pick this shirt but how it picked me...ha! :)

And this is how I styled it :) It actually has thicker straps, probably one to two inches, so I will definitely be wearing it a lot this summer by itself maybe with a pair of shorts or jeans or something. Did I mention how happy these colors make me?

And of course I paired it with my knock-off Jack Rogers because if you're going for preppy you may as well go all out.

How about you? Did you get to snag any Lily Pulitzer pieces from Target this season? :)

Discipleship: What Does That Mean, Anyway?

I've recently had the pleasure of beginning to disciple a teen girl at the church we attend. She's fifteen, an age I was actually at not all that long ago. She actually just recently got saved and her mom felt as though she needed someone to help her grow in her new relationship with the Lord.

When her mom approached me about the idea of discipling her youngest daughter, I have to admit that I felt incredibly honored, yet completely inadequate. I mean, I still feel as though I have so much growing to do! I'm only 22 and I've only been married for two months. I have so much to learn and I'm still growing in my own walk with the Lord. Plus, I've never discipled anyone before. But that's just been a reminder to me that I'm nothing but inadequate and I'll never be able to do something like this on my own. I need the Lord's help and guidance as I seek to teach this girl the things that God taught me in my teen years.

Because let's be serious. The teen years are tough.

My plan is to go through a book that was a significant aid to me in my own teen years, a book entitled Authentic Beauty by Leslie Ludy. It taught me that I will never be satisfied with a guy, friends, the latest styles, or anything that the world offers to appease the desires of my soul. Nothing other than Jesus Christ can do that. He is my true Knight in shining armor who saved me from my destiny. This book even has a study guide that I'm going to use so that we can have some basis for discussion in our time together.


So what are my goals in this season on discipleship?

Build Her Trust: First of all, I want her to know she can trust me. That she can talk to me about absolutely anything she's going through and I'll be there to listen and support and give advice and godly counsel when she needs it.

Her Relationship with Christ: I want to inspire her to spend time with Him daily, reading His word and praying, not because she needs to or because it will make her a better Christian or person, but because that's the only way we become anything like Him: by spending time in His presence. I want to encourage her to read Christian biographies about missionaries and women of the faith, as well as Christian non-fictions. These are the things that brought me closer to Christ in my teen years, as well as what continues to grow me closer to Him today.

Be a True Friend: As the pastor of my church says, we're just going to "do life together". I'll take her shopping, we'll hang out at Starbucks with a drink and just talk, maybe even hang out at my apartment. The thing is that's how you reach people. You can't force religion down their throats, tell them what sinners they are, and walk away. You need to love people. Build relationships with them. Direct them toward the gospel.


If you're currently in the process of discipleship, I hope that this was helpful to you! If you've never considered discipling a younger woman, I would take the time to read over the following verses:

And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. -2 Timothy 2:2

Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. -Hebrews 10:25

Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. -James 5:16

April Book List

 So I've had a new idea for the blog! I love to read and therefore am a library junkie regular. At the end of every month, I will report here on the blog of the different books I've read, as well as a little review of each one. I love hearing other book recommendations as well as what other readers think of the books I read so feel free to comment :)

Now let me tell you, I've been having a pretty good streak with books lately.

Part of my success can be attributed to Janssen at Everday Reading for her endless book recommendation lists. I make a list of my own on my iPod before making a trip to the library so I can search for a few books that she's deemed fantastic. It makes my trips to the library much easier.

Random thought: I've been wanting to read Quiet, but I just can't catch it. I look it up at the library closer to my home, but it's checked in at the library downtown. So I go to the library downtown just a few days later, and now it's checked in at the other one. A girl just can't win. One of these days, maybe.

So here's my April list:

1. Dear Mr. Knightley : I really loved this book. And if you loved Emma, Wuthering Heights, and Pride and Prejudice, you will too. So many references! It's a story about a 20-something foster child who's been through some pretty awful stuff, as you can imagine. You watch her tear down the walls that have been hindering her for so long and break free. And fall in love, of course :)

2. Where We Belong : This one was my favorite this month! It was my first Emily Giffen book and I'm pretty sure it won't be my last. Where We Belong is a story about choices and how we can never change the decisions we've made in the past, but we can start new today. It's also about the power of family ties and how much they determine who we are, but also how they don't.

3. Attachments: This one was definitely more comical than anything else I read this month, which was just the light-hearted type of thing I needed after reading a story as heavy as Where We Belong. I will definitely be reading more from Rainbow Rowell!

4. Paper Towns : Okay, I read this in February which was a really long time ago but it was a good read so I just had to mention it. Plus, I found myself a tad busy in April and so my list is shorter than I meant for it to be. #Letsbereal. Anyway, this book was, in one word, exciting! You never knew what to expect from Margo Roth Spiegelman. I would say she kept Quentin and myself on the edge of our seats! Also, have you ever read a book about a group of friends and thought to yourself, "If I only knew these guys when I was in high school I'm pretty sure we would be best friends."? Yeah, I definitely felt that way about Q and his gang.


So there's my April book list :) I will try to read a little more in the month of May, and hopefully I will find some as good as these were!

Wishlist: Bags Under $100!

One.   Two.   Three.   Four.   Five.     

I'm kind of in the market for a new purse, preferably something larger like a tote bag. I did some shopping around my favorite online stores, including Target (of course), Nine West, and Belk, and these a few that really caught me eye.

As you see, there's really a wide variety here!

Option One: Black and white is a big trend this summer, yet it's a very classic pair. I love the simplicity of this bag, yet the tiny details that make it a little more unique, like the stripes on the sides only and the gold accents at the handle ends. Plus it's neutral so it will basically go with anything.

Option Two: I'm a big Nine West fan, and this bag is no exception. To me, they have very good-quality products for a reasonable price. I bought a pair of dark brown wedged boots from a Nine West Outlet last winter and loved them to death! (No really, I wear my shoes until they die.) My favorite faux-leather color is cognac, so this bag is right up my alley! Oh, and did I mention it's over 60 percent off on the Belk website? Win-win.

Option Three: This bag is also Nine West brand, and I love everything about it! The color is really unique and it has a good structure to it.

Option Four: I'm not quite sure why, but this season I'm loving anything and everything hot pink! I went to Ulta a few weeks ago and picked up a nail polish and lipstick, both Revlon and both fuchsia. I wear a lot of navy, white, grey, etc. so pinks would pop against my usually neutral outfits.

Option Five: This one just looks so grown-up/professional to me. The details are just beautiful!


What are your favorite bag brands? Do you usually splurge and get a good quality one or have several that you alternate between?

Girl Behind the Blog

As inspired by Kerri at Girl With A Latte, I just want to let you as a reader know a little more about the person that I am. So today I'm going to share ten random things you may or may not know about me!

As follows :

1. I'm pretty much a sucker for anything floral or striped.

2. My whole house is decorated cohesively in greys and light blues with splashes of yellow, red, navy, etc.

3. My favorite color combination to wear is navy, pink, and turquoise.

4. I'm definitely a budget/clearance shopper. This goes for about anything.

5. My favorite band is Coldplay. Also love Mumford & Sons, Oasis, The Paper Kites, and anything else coffee shop/alternative.

6. I've played the clarinet for about 11 years. Although I quit the school band after middle school, I've continued to play for churches and even just for my own enjoyment. It's one of my passions.

7. I love learning new recipes! I usually try at least 1-2 new recipes every week.

8. I'm always up for a treat from Starbucks or any frozen yogurt place. Actually, I probably consume more sugar on a daily basis than any one person should. I should probably cut back...

9. I work across the street from the largest library in Greenville (that I know of). I keep a running list of books I want to read.

10. I've seen every single episode of Gilmore Girls at least 5 times, I'm sure of it. My lovely sister bought me the whole set for Christmas a few years ago. I secretly wish I could be Lorelei and Rory's best friend.

I also love learning more about other bloggers, so what are some things that make you, you? :)

Denim, Floral, and Grey

Temps here in eastern NC were a tad on the cool side this past weekend. Thankfully, the past two days have been absolutely lovely!

Top: Target   Scarf: Plato's Closet, Similar, Only 10 Dollars!  Pants: TJ Maxx, Similar

Jacket: Similar   Purse: Similar  Flats: Target

This was a simple little outfit taken by my wonderful photographer, aka my husband Casey. "Hey, hon, do you mind doing something completely random? Would you take a picture of my outfit? For my blog?" (Side note: I've got to take more outfit pictures outside! The quality comes out so much nicer! Blogger tips 101 that I'm slowly discovering.)

Let's take a moment to discuss this beautiful scarf. I found it at Plato's Closet for 4 dollars! Because you know how much I love that place. It has a nice fullness to it without being too hot and heavy, which just so happens to be my combination for the perfect Spring/Summer scarf. I didn't have a tag on it of any kind so I'm not sure what brand it is or where it originally came from. All I know is that this little beauty is now all mine.

I'm really in love with the floral + stripes trend now, and a floral scarf like this one paired with a striped shirt, skirt, or dress is the perfect way to do that! Now that I think of it, I should have worn a striped top that day instead of a solid. How cute would that have been? Oh well.

Also, I got these grey jeans from TJ Maxx for my birthday this past year. I. Absolutely. Love. Them. They're such an easy way to get out of the jeans and cotton top rutt that I find myself getting into when it's not quite warm enough for shorts, skirts, or dresses.

Thanks for stopping by :) Hope you have a great rest of the week!

Free From Fear

To give credit where credit is due, image from www.goliveoriginal.com

We all have it. It's an inevitable part of life that we really don't talk about all that often. Yet it haunts us, plagues us even. It consumes our lives entirely, but we like to push it into the corner and cover it up and choose to live like it's not really there.

It's fear. More than that, really, it's fear of death.

I have been reading through the book of Hebrews in my devotions recently and it's amazing how God has been speaking to me through it. Specifically, in chapter 2, I was reading about something I felt compelled to write about here on my blog.

Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. -Hebrews 2:14-15 ESV

The part that really sticks out to me is that we were subject to lifelong slavery. We are born sinners. It's something that we have inherited from the very beginning when Adam and Eve first disobeyed God. And the result of sin is death. It's as inevitable as our fear of it. And we're slaves to it. Our sin chains us down, yet we don't know how to break free. I mean, it's inevitable, right? It's something we all struggle with and it has this power of us that we just can't defeat so we may as well live life in the moment because life is short. We're not guaranteed another day. But the chains still hold us down.

The wonderful news is that there is hope. There is a way to break free.

Jesus Christ is our hope. He has suffered our death for us so that we don't have to. He did this on the cross. He was tempted, yet was still without sin. He defeated sin, death, and the one who has power over you and your sin. And He is calling you to become one of His. All you have to do is believe that He is Savior and give your life to Him. Surrender your everything and He will break your chains and set you free.

And the thing is that we can't break ourselves free. We don't have a key and we're not strong enough to break it. But He is and He wants you to be one of His, to adopt you so that you can be a child of God the King.

God is surely a "merciful and faithful high priest" (verse 17 of this chapter). He made a way to save us from our inevitable destiny. We were sinners and we hated Him and rebelled against Him, and yet He loved us. And I'm so, so far from deserving any of it. We all are. We wouldn't even love him if it weren't for His work in us. He is perfect and beautiful and loving and just and if we hate Him it is because of our sin.

I am always, ever marveling at His wonderful grace. That grace that has set me free.

What I Wore to Work: Cute and Comfy!

Today I'm participating in Mix & Match Fashion's What I Wore Weekly Linkup!

I work with the Vera Bradley department at a store downtown in Greenville. This basically means I'm in charge of all of the ordering, merchandising, in-store promotions, etc. with Vera. I love it!

My workplace has a pretty laid-back environment, but I always try to look put together while still being comfortable! And trust me, this is about as comfy as it gets.

Shirt: Old Navy   Skirt: Target   Necklace: Old Navy

Shoes: Target

I had been looking for a graphic tee (preferably one in french, not sure why!) to go with this skirt. I've seen Merrick pull off a graphic tee and pencil skirt and love the concept! Plus, how adorable is this necklace?!

Plus, I got this shirt for $7, the necklace for $9, and I've had that skirt for a long while now but I'm pretty sure it was on clearance too.

Yay for clearance!

I hope you have a great weekend!

A Little About Me

Hi! My name's Heather and I am recently married to my wonderful husband, Casey. We're both eastern North Carolina natives and we've made our first little home here. :)

I'm a Christian, and Jesus Christ is my first passion. Although here on the blog you'll hear me rave about everything from my latest shopping endeavor to beauty and how to keep both hobbies budget-friendly, I have realized that nothing else will give me true satisfaction other than Him.

In my spare time I'm usually blogging, finding and trying new recipes I've found on Pinterest, reading a book from the library, learning a new styling trick, or perusing through a clearance section!

I love reading your responses, so feel free to comment! Also, you can reach me by email at:

lacepearlsandgrace@gmail.com

Thanks for reading!

Follow Me! On:

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Revlon's Love That Pink

Last week, Ulta had Revlon, Almay, Maybelline,  and Physician's Formula products on sale 40% off! That was when I snagged this lipstick in the shade Love That Pink. It was less than four dollars! My cheapskate self was very happy.

Exhibit A:

It's a beautiful shade of pink with the perfect amount of pop! To me, it's the type of bright lipstick that looks relatively natural. I mean, as natural as a bright lipstick can look. Who's lips are really that bright? 

I actually used to be scared of lipstick in general. I was afraid of looking "too dressed up" or like I was trying too hard. What I had to do was start with rose-y shades, which oftentimes have words like "rose" or "peony" in the title. Now I love lipsticks, especially bright ones in fuchsias, hot pinks, and reds!

How about you? :)

Second Hand Steals

So recently I was looking through my closet and decided I have way too many solid options and not enough prints. I mean, I love a classic solid tee because it basically goes with anything. Is it possible to have too many?

Yes.

Solids with solids gets really boring after awhile. Thus my little shopping trip to Plato's Closet and these little beauties you see before you.

Skirts $8 a piece, Scarf $4!

I've been pinning a lot of outfits on Pinterest (Follow me here!) that entail floral skirts with stripes, graphic tees, and even solid tops. Because of course I have tons of those.

The floral skirt is from H&M. I feel like this pictures doesn't really do it justice. The coral skirt is really adorable too, and I can see myself pairing it with a turquoise top for a fun color combo!

How beautiful is this scarf? Four dollars.

Just in case you wanted to see what they looked like on. There's nothing I love more than an A-line skirt in the summer! So cool, comfy, and chic! (Love my alliteration there?) :)

Striped Dress 3 Ways

I don't know about you, but I love a striped dress.

I also happen to love blog posts and pins in pinterest that show "so and so many number ways to do so and so". Call me a copycat, but I thought it would be fun to do one of my own! This is my first one, just so you know.

I got the idea for my first post to be a black and white striped dress a) because I just bought it not too long ago on Target clearance (YAY!) and b) I really didn't see that many ideas on pinterest on this particular piece.

Jacket: Old   Dress: Target   Bag: Target

Necklace: Cato   Shoes: Loft

1. Casual Look : The outfit on the left would be perfect for a Saturday shopping trip with friends, a trip to the park, or just for everyday! The jean jacket really makes the outfit more casual, but also adds structure and keeps you warm in the Spring when temps are constantly up and down. Also, did I mention how comfy these wedges are?! Love them!

Dress: Target   Necklace: Payless

Shoes: Payless

2. Dressy Look: When I'm going on a date with Casey or dressing up for a special occasion, I usually keep it pretty simple. I opt for a dress, a statement necklace, heels, and a bring lipstick, like red or fuchsia! This one is Revlon's Love that Pink.

Dress: Target   Scarf: Old Navy   Wedges: Target

Bag: Target   Earrings: Target

3. Pattern Mixing: Are you starting to see how much I shop at Target? Me too. I'm loving the pattern mixing trend! It's really so easy to do. I usually mix two patterns like stripes, floral, polka dots, or aztec. You can do gingham or plaid but I just really have anything in those patterns. The possibilities are endless!

So there you have it, my very first items 3 ways! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think! What other item(s) would you like to see remixed?

Little Deal Finder

I love shopping. It's just a known fact.

Due to my budget, however, I can't afford to spend a ton of money every month on clothes. This means that when I do go shopping, I want to try to get the most that I can out of my money. With experience, I've learned that with a little digging, you can get a lot of cute stuff!

I took a little shopping trip to Kohl's earlier today and had awesome luck! The stuff in that store is usually overpriced to me for what it is, but if you dig you can find some great things!

That top was on sale for 9.99, and the bathing suit bottom was stinkin A LITTLE LESS THAN FOUR DOLLARS. Plus, it's so super adorable!

Overall, I spent about 24 bucks for a cute top, a bathing suit bottom, and three pieces of jewelry. I don't know about you but I think that's pretty awesome!

Earrings for $2.40, 80% off? Heck yes.

Here's a few tips I have for find good deals when shopping:

1) Search through all of the clearance items first. I like to see signs like "60 percent off!" and especially with an extra 20-50 percent. Know that not everything on the clearance rack is a great deal. For instance, when I went to Kohl's, there were pieces still 20-30 dollars with no extra percentage off. If it's something you really love and it fits you like a glove, and especially if it's good quality, then go for it! I'm just saying keep looking and you might find something discounted even more that you love just as much! I usually go through every rack at least twice to make sure I didn't miss anything!

2) Always take a trip to the jewelry section. There have been times that I went to a store that I would never think to buy jewelry from, and then I find that they have a ton of really cute stuff for super cheap! For example, the Payless here in Greenville is absolutely amazing about having jewelry on sale. I've gotten necklaces and earrings for 5 dollars and below before! Of course I went in to look at shoes, but you can't pass up a necklace for $2.50! (I was asked at the Loft once if I bought it from them! It's beautiful!) Basically, I would say I never pay more than 10-15 dollars for a piece of jewelry, especially if it's a trend, and as you see above I get some really cute stuff!

3) Get the Retail Me Not App on your phone! I just downloaded this, and it's amazing! Just put in which stores you like and it gives you online codes, coupons, and information about sales.

4) Know what you're missing in your closet. This is probably the most important aspect because it helps you search the sale racks, which can many times be disorganized and overwhelming. Do you need a graphic tee, or a floral skirt, or maybe a jacket to complete your outfit? Skim over the options looking for these things in mind so you can get the must-have item at a good price!


Hope you enjoy these little steals and tips for finding things like them!

New Makeup Bag! (Plus a few new products!)

While in TJ Maxx the other day, I found this adorable little makeup bag. For only 7.99, I might add.

I've been needing a new makeup bag for awhile now. The last one I had was a Clinique bag, so it was kind of cute, but not really "me". Not to mention I got it at the Goodwill in almost perfect condition for I think 99 cents? Not a bad deal, but it was time for a new one!

Pink, navy, and white. I don't think this bag could be any more me! I also love that this one has two compartments so I can put my face makeup like foundation, powder, concealer, etc. in one and things like eyeliner, mascara, and my eyelash curler in the other.

Also, since then I've made a little trip to Ulta and picked up some new stuff! I really went to pick up my birthday gift, this Ulta brand eyeshadow palette. I have to admit that I was a tad bummed because last year I got a Calvin Klein full-size mascara and next month they're giving away an Urban Decay product. Sigh. Well, I guess you can't really complain when you get something free!

Here's the eyeshadow palette. Maybe I'll write a post separately about it, maybe a review or some pictures using it. Of course I'll have to try them out first so we'll see how it goes!

Last but not least, here's my little stash of products I picked up at Ulta!

1. Cetaphil Daily Cleanser : My sister raves about this face wash. I've been breaking out for awhile now and can't seem to clear things up! Hopefully this will do the trick!

2. Tweezerman Eyelash Curler : I absolutely love love love my Tweezerman tweezers. Wouldn't trade them for anything! They work better to grab the individual eyebrow hairs which means less pain. I'm hoping this eyelash curler is just as great quality!

3. Revlon Nail Enamel in Fuchsia Fever : So all Revlon products (as well as Almay and Physician's Formula brands) are 40 percent off! Which means I snagged this nail polish for 2.99. I don't actually own a nail polish in a hot pink color like this, and I thought it would be perfect for summer. Can't wait to give it a try!

4. Utla Eyeshadow palette : Birthday special, not available online. Wrote a little about it above!

5. Revlon Lipgloss in Pink Pop : I must have really been feeling the hot pink! I got it because I wanted something really bright, but when I put it on it actually looked decently natural. Despite that fact, I really love it! It's moisturizing while still adding a great amount of color.

There's a little picture I snapped really fast in the bathroom. Ignore the hair frizz, please.

I love that it adds a pop of color to my black and white outfit!

What makeup colors are you drawn to now that the weather's warming up? :)

My Current Favorite Beauty Products (Mostly Drugstore Brands!)

I wrote a post similar to this one here, but it's been awhile and this one is going to be a little different!

These are my favorite products of various categories (for the time being!) I recently moved to Greenville, NC where an Ulta is now only about 5 minutes away. Hallelujah chorus. 

Most of these are drugstore brands, so you can have a good everyday makeup routine without breaking your budget. Because that's how I roll.

Well, here we go!

Favorite:

1. Foundation - Still using Revlon's Nearly Naked Liquid Foundation. If you're looking for a light summertime foundation, I'd recommend this one. It's easy to layer if you want a little more coverage, but it doesn't take much to give you a simple even complexion that looks natural! It's not heavy like other foundations I've tried. I'm thinking about trying something with a little more coverage though, like this one or this one, so keep posted :)

2. Under Eye Concealer - I absolutely love L'Oreal's Visible Lift CC Concealer! It rolls on, which is perfect for the very sensitive under eye area. I've had it for months now, so it hasn't run out as quickly as other drugstore brands I've tried. For the price, I love it!

3. Finishing Powder - I have been using BareMinerals Mineral Veil Finishing Powder with SPF 25. I always just brush a little of this over my face after I've done my makeup every morning, but it's also good by itself if you don't feel like doing a complete makeup routine. It has SPF in it, too, which is a plus for this pale face of mine. I don't think I'll ever use another finishing powder!

4. Concealer - For any acne scars, pimples, or other spots I want to camouflage,  I use Nyx Cosmetics Concealer. It's decently inexpensive, and it does the job! (It says dark circle concealer, but it's quite thick, so I don't think I'd use it for the under eye area. Just sayin'.)

5. Eyeliner - I've switched things up and have been using Revlon's ColorStay Eyeliner in Black (probably because Revlon products were buy one get one 50% off at Ulta). I love it! It's easy to make your line as bold or simple as you'd like, and it comes with an eraser at the end so you can even things out if need be. It smudges sometimes, especially if you sweat, so I'd recommend using an eyelid primer as well to make sure it stays in its place.

6. Mascara - For a few months now I've been using L'Oreal's Voluminous Butterfly Mascara, but I decided to switch things up a bit and pick up Maybelline's Lash Sensational. My opinion? I love it! It adds more length than L'Oreal's did, and with an extra coat, just as much volume. I usually have to work hard to get my lashes the way I want everyday, but this makes it easy!

7. Lipstick - I recently picked up Maybelline's Color Sensational Lipcolor in Pink Peony and love it! It's a perfect natural pink. Adds a little color without shouting to the world you are wearing lipstick being too bold.

There you have it, my current makeup favorites! What products are you using these days?