Dream Closet: Country Rustic

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Hi everyone! I hope you enjoy today's dream closet. Sorry I'm keeping it short because I will be getting married on Saturday. As you read this I will be running around greeting family and friends and about to say "I Do!" I shopped  at Modcloth, Eshakti, DSW, Wilson Leather, and Torrid for today's collection. What is your favorite rustic style? Post images on GRB's Twitter account (gracefullyru) or tag me on Instagram at Gracefully Rugged. If you would like to give me ideas on the next Dream Closet send me an email or message me on Facebook. Have a great weekend!

Favorite Fashion Designers/Stores for Fall/Winter 2014

I’m very excited about this post and enjoyed researching my favorite designers at Full Figured Fashion Week. Also I wanted to share stores that creteil to the full figured and fabulous. Please check back next Thursday, hopefully I will have list, with links to all plus size stores having sales on Black Friday

Favorite Fashion Designers for Fall/Winter 2014

Jibri Online $$$

https://www.etsy.com/shop/jibrionline?page=3

Poppy and Bloom $$$

https://www.etsy.com/shop/jibrionline?page=3

Curvalicious Clothes

http://www.eshakti.com/ $$$

Eshakti

http://www.eshakti.com/ $$ (Mass Customization On All Items)

Torrid

http://www.torrid.com  $$

Fashion To Figure

http://www.fashiontofigure.com/  $$

Simply Be

http://www.simplybe.com/ $$

Evans

http://www.evansusa.com/ $$

Ashley Stewart

http://www.ashleystewart.com/new-arrivals-2 $$

Modcloth

http://www.modcloth.com/ $-$$

City Chic

http://www.citychiconline.com/ $-$$

Love Culture

http://www.loveculture.com/ $-$$

10 things You Don't Know About Me

1. Over the last 6 years I’ve dealt with several losses within my family, in the past year I’ve become more anxious and introverted. To turn my anxiety and grief into something positive I started cooking more. When I’m in the kitchen I can hyper focus on creating something my loved ones passed down to me or something completely foreign. During those moments all my anxiety fades away and the grief turns into memories or a delicious meal I can share with my family.
2. I’m a school supply hoarder, the first step is admitting you have a problem right? During college I got so bad  my roommate and best friend Heather banned me from buying any more highlighters. Ever since I was a little girl I always got excited about the new school year mainly because of the school supplies. I had this delusion “I’ll keep myself highly organized” then by midterms it was organized chaos. Well more chaos.
3. I only like to dress up when going out but my favorite articles of clothing as I like to call “comfy couture” are a college hoodie and yoga pants. Or if its really hot outside I love wearing my Star Wars T-Shirt with said yoga pants.  
4. If I could get away with wearing dresses all day everyday with tights I would, I honestly think it stems from my fear of having a muffin top. I love how I look, feel, and matched with the right set of heels..I’m golden.
5. I buy a lot of beauty products I’ll never use but say it would be a great thing to use. I typically have a few choice products that are my go to, that work and I can really depend on. Or I accidentally forget that I have the product then squeal with excitement randomly while organizing my makeup area.
6. I am Batman…>.> I collect villain comics/story arcs I’m not particular if it’s Marvel or DC but so far my collection is more DC. My favorite villain group is the Secret Six and my favorite villains so far are Bane and Deadshot. Although when Bane and Batman fight I have a really hard time because I  love Batman. Which makes for an interesting read because I’m rooting for the villain but then I’m saying to myself “I’m so sorry Batman..I have failed you.”

7. Whenever I receive voice-mails from family or friends I occasionally save them especially if they are rambling or just being themselves. I like capturing moments to look back on especially when I’m homesick or miss them even when I just need a laugh.

8. When I have binged on a serious TV drama or I’ve had a rough day I like to watch children cartoons or movies. For example Tinker Bell, My Little Ponies, and please don’t judge me Strawberry Shortcake. I just need something to mellow my mind and I honestly love some of the messages the shows give.
9. I LOVE LOVE LOVE Old School Monster Movies my favorite is GODZILLA and Swamp Thing is my all time favorite comic!
10. I was diagnosed with Ankylosing spondylitis in February currently I treat my condition holistically and with natural herbs. 

Four Keys of Wisdom Part 1

Proverbs 30:24-28

“There be four things which are little upon the earth, but they are exceedingly wise: The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer; The conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks; The locusts have no king, yet go they forth all of them by bands; The spider taketh hold with her hands, and is in kings’ palaces.”

Over the next four weeks I would like to study the “Four Attributes of Wisdom.” Within this scripture Solomon gives instruction through watching four creatures in their natural habitat.

Solomon said, “A wise person will seek to have the qualities that these four creatures have and if you obtain them then you will have wisdom” I can only imagine Solomon watching these four creatures evangelize to him in their natural setting. The spiders story is giving us an example of strength, persistence, and determination. I recall living in Wendell and the beautiful deck we had behind the house. Over the summer a rather large spider with beautiful outstretched legs and vibrant colors made home there. Her first attempt was over the doorway catching me by surprise as I flailed and kicked my way to safety. The next time, she set up camp around the corners of the deck. Every time her web was destroyed she would continually rebuild her home. The spider Solomon observed professed her will of determination and perseverance. The message of the spider is, “She takes hold with her hands and she will not be moved, she will not quite, and she will do whatever it takes to stay in the king's palace.”

Today we are living in a time where life can devastate you, leaving you with the option to flee from adversity, succumb to temptation, and feel further from the kingdom of God. However we need to learn from the spider how to rebuild even while being pulled apart.

Fajita Soup

I remember when I first tried this recipe; my younger brother Nick was coming to visit and I wanted something  healthy and that everyone would enjoy. Nick had given up sodas, sweets, and fast food. He started working out and had lost a lot weight. I wanted to be a support system for him and celebrate all he had accomplished. I was hesitant at first but this recipe is amazing, you just toss all the ingredients in the slow-cooker and forget about it. I hope you enjoy this recipe. Share with me your variations and what you liked best! 

Slow Cooker Fajita Soup

1 lb. chicken, cooked and shredded
6 c. chicken broth
4 lrg. Zucchini, sliced
1 (14oz.) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 can of tomato paste
1 med. onion, chopped

1 4oz can El Paso Green Chilies 
1 clove garlic, minced
Homemade Taco Seasoning

¼ c. fresh snipped cilantro

Dash of habanero sauce (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

Homemade Taco Seasoning

1 tablespoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

1/4 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Directions:

In a large crock pot combine chicken, chicken broth, zucchini, tomatoes with chilies, tomato paste, onion, green chilies, garlic, and seasoning. Cook for 6-8 hours medium-high. If you would like your zucchini a little more crunchy add them to your crock pot 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve. At the 6 hour mark you should easily be able to shred the chicken with no effort.

Freezing Directions:

You will need a one gallon freezer bag to simply add all your uncooked ingredients to the bag along with seasonings. When ready to eat remove from freezer and thaw for 24hrs. Once thawed add to your crock pot and set for 6-8 hours. 

Dream Closet: Blue&Black

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One of my favorite past times is building a dream closet revolving around the latest trends and anything I'm gathering inspiration from. Today I wanted to showcase cobalt blue, one of falls premier colors and becoming a must have this season. As you can see there is a lot of variety and room to work within your wardrobe. I love the fit and flare tunics with leggings, vintage heels, and geometric patterns. 

My Favorite Things

Nyx Pore Filler- I originally found this product by researching inexpensive duplicates online. I wanted something to smoothe inconsistencies in my skin yet not feel excessively heavy. The only issue I have is the packaging size, if I’m wearing makeup 5 days a week the product will run out quickly. On the other hand it’s one of my all time favorite makeup products coming in around $11 bucks.

Benedict Cumberbatch- Probably one of my all time favorite actors will be providing a riveting performance of Dr. Strange in 2016. I can already imagine his grandiose voice bounding through the pages of my favorite Dr.Strange comic books.

Amythyst: I love organic style jewelry especially anything dealing with geology.I love how this piece needs no assistance to show off its luster and natural beauty.

Church: On November 15th I’ll be walking down the aisle and saying “I do” I prayed night and day for a location we could afford, that was beautiful, organically raw, and great architecture. Here at this beautiful episcopal church I’ll tie the knot!

Bob’s Burgers- I found this family animated sitcom on Netflix and after one rainy day I found myself having watched two full seasons. Unfortunately it was during finals but I digress. The series centers around a family of five who own a hamburger shop on Ocean Avenue where the kids help take part in the business. I love the banter between siblings and watching Tina awkwardly find her sense of identity throughout the teenage years.

I aspire:  to help others and be there for people in need. Something my fiance’ and I are trying to establish, is every year around our birthdays, holidays, or bi-monthly is committing to a community service project.