Lovely things on a Friday.



Riding on the mower with Dad has become John's favorite afternoon activity.





On Wednesday we went down to the river to throw rocks and watch the barges pass by.





We made homemade Mother's Day cards this year :)





An early Mother's Day gift from John and my Nana. So sweet!





Some of John's homemade cards.





A sneak peak of the dress I'm wearing to an event tomorrow night :)



We've had a great week! I feel like we have accomplished a lot at the store, and I've gotten tons done at home too. John has been doing awesome with his potty training, praise God, and I've been working on his application for PreK 3, which starts in August! My little man will be going to school in just three short months!

We have lots of fun family stuff planned for the weekend, including showing some extra love and attention to our Mom's and Grandma's. Since becoming a Mom, I love any kind of holiday that brings my family together, like Mother's Day. It doesn't really matter what we do, or if I get a gift or card; what matters is that we have an entire day devoted to spending time with each other. I never want to be one of those Mom's that begs for attention on Mother's Day, because as far as I'm concerned, Sunday isn't even about me. I wouldn't be a mom if it weren't for my family anyway!

I hope all of you ladies have a wonderful weekend, and a lovely Sunday! Happy Mother's Day!

Calling all Women: Be You.

I haven't blogged in awhile, so forgive me if I'm a little rusty! The store is coming along fantastically and I truly cannot wait until we are able to open. If you are a local, I'm sure you are aware of the Broadway street renovations going on in the Downtown area. With all the dust from the renovations, we plan to just keep working on making our store perfect before our Grand Opening Celebration. Time goes by quickly, so we will be open before you know it! I'll share more details about my job in the upcoming weeks.

With Mother's day just a few days away, I've been thinking a lot about my role in family and in life. (I know, heavy stuff!) My new job and the amazing ladies I have met through this process have reminded me just how precious and powerful my contribution to this world actually is. I used to think that little o' me couldn't really do much to make this big world a better place. Then I met some smiling ladies who are literally bursting to share the love of our Savior with others---and I was reminded that seeds are planted every day through my actions and kind gestures to those around me.

This life is not about how many church functions you attend, how many small groups you're involved in or even how many Sunday mornings you choose to go to (or, to skip!). It's about being Genuine. Being you.

Get into the Word, fill your mouth and heart with love for every. single. person. you encounter and stop focusing on being this person you think people want you to be. We are never going to live up to the expectations of those around us. What we can do is strive daily to be the woman God has planned for us to be---that loving, supportive, woman washing the feet of a stranger.

In the midst of me writing this, John literally threw up the snack he was eating all over the dining room table and himself. I immediately stopped typing and rushed to his side to make sure he was alright. The kid was laughing. He pointed to his juice and said "oops." Toddler Translation: juice went down the wrong pipe. He was ok.

Isn't that how life should be? Full of puke and laughter?

Be yourself, ladies. It's ok to laugh and puke. No one will ever be perfect nor should we try to be. We just need to keep loving Christ and loving others.

This outfit is all me. Messy braid and hat, flowing tee, black skinny jeans and sandals = Leslie Carol Hazelwood.

When the store does open, I want you all to know that when you come in to get styled by either myself or one of the other talented ladies, we will style you in something that you feel confident, beautiful, and 100% yourself in. That's what getting dressed is all about. That's what living is all about. Being you.

Sunday Lovelies: Whirlwind

Hello all! To say that the past two weeks have been a whirlwind is an understatement. I traveled to Tennessee, we had a visit from my mother in law, I've been working some for the store and also spending lots of quality family time. I missed blogging for sure, but some things have to come first, so no regrets here. I hope you have all been healthy and happy!

To recap the FABULOUS weekend I had working at the Philanthropy store, let me just say it was life changing. I cannot begin to describe the way I felt when I walked in that door on Main Street in historic downtown Franklin, TN. Not only is Philanthropy more beautiful than I could have ever imagined, the women who work there are the most amazing and Christ-like ladies I have been around in a long time. The love of our Savior beams through their smiles and words. When I got home I felt refreshed and ready to be in a Philanthropy store of my own!

This week I'll be working from home some and getting ready to head to Franklin again! Here are a few "happenings" from the past couple of weeks. I'll try to do a couple of outfit posts this week so you can see some of my new Philanthropy goodies :)

A handsome John on Easter Sunday.



Flying kites with Dad.



Grandma and her beautiful Paula Deen inspired Orange Buttercream cake :)



John's Easter present from Grandma and Grandpa Hazelwood: A helmet so he can now safely ride four wheelers with Grandpa :)





John having a blast at the circus last week.



Our storefront on the corner of Broadway and Fountain. I can't wait for the new awnings to arrive!

Painting Party!

Last night some sweet ladies and I participated in a Painting Party at Bloom Studio and Gifts. We had a great time drinking wine and eating yummy snacks---oh and learning to paint of course ;)

Some of the ladies hard at work painting!



I'm cheesing so big. Just excited to be with these awesome ladies!



Robyn was ever so patient and gentle with her painting. It turned out perfect!




Brooke and Amy are almost done!




Me and my finished product. While Robin took her time to make her painting beautiful, I probably rushed through mine a little too much. I think I would have been happier with it if I had slowed down a bit.

Final review: A super fun experience! The painting instructor was so sweet and her voice was very soothing. She walked us through every step of the painting, but encouraged us to create our own unique piece. For $25, I think two hours of fellowship with awesome ladies was well worth it--and getting to bring home a fun painting that you created was a bonus! Thank you Bloom Studio and Gifts for hosting such a fun event!

My hubby is out of town fishing so getting out for an evening with the girls was a nice little treat for me. As for the rest of the weekend, John and I plan to do lots of cuddling, baking yummy cupcakes and playing outdoors, weather permitting.

I miss Daniel when he is away, but sometimes it is nice to spend time alone with little man. John woke up with a smile this morning and is ready to take on the day!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Spring Trend: Mint Green

I'm a tad obsessed with mint green---it's just the most lovely Spring color, don't you think? I searched all my favorite website shops for a mint green top or dress, but almost every item I loved was already out of stock! Then last weekend I made a quick trip into Kohls for some Spring outfits for John and spotted this flowy sweater for 50% off! Score!



Sweater Poncho: Kohls. Tank: Old Navy. Jeans: Target. Wedges: JCPenney.

 It was so so bright when I took these pictures. This is seriously a perfect Saturday outfit. Skinny pants and a loose top are my go to uniform for sure.
Here are some other ways I've incorporated Spring Mint into my life:





   This sweet mint planter and succulents are perfect for a sunny spot inside, and will thrive later on the back porch when the temps rise. And it's from Wal-Mart!!

I've had this scarf for ages, it was a gift from my Nana. I love how the soft mint green that fades into yellow.

My new favorite nail shade! Mermaid Tears by OPI.

And here's the necklace I made using Sculpey clay! I think it turned out pretty cute, although my husband says it looks like someone threw up on my neck. Nice, huh? I happen to think it's a surprisingly versatile necklace, thankyouverymuch. Do you like it?

Are you loving mint green this Spring? What is your favorite color right now?

Monday Lovelies: Spring is Here!

Hello all! I hope you had a great weekend. Here's a little peak into what we've been doing since Spring has officially hit Southeast Missouri!

We've been doing lots of bike riding and exercising. I could barely walk on Friday after running almost every day last week. John busted out his trike and started learning different street signs at Safety City.

My morning coffee perks me up even more with this adorable "cream cow." Moooo!






Hat: Kohls. T-Shirt: ?? Belt: Thrifted, TC Thrift Store. Skirt: JCPenney. Flats: Macy's.

My first official Spring outfit! I wore this last week to work and then again yesterday to church. The t-shirt makes the skirt a bit more casual, and I love this hat! Such a fun addition! This "mullet hemmed" skirt was fun when the breeze picked up, I felt like Marilyn Monroe!

We celebrated St. Patrick's Day at home watching movies and eating one of my favorite meals, Corned Beef and Cabbage. I dyed the cabbage, scalloped potatoes and my Boulevard Unfiltered Wheat Beer green! I think I'll keep this tradition going year after year. John loved eating the green potatoes, he kept putting them on his spoon and laughing.

Finally, my sweet Aunt Nancy shared this photo of my Mamaw Shain with me last week and I made it my facebook cover photo. That's my mom in the upper right hand corner, my silly cousin Andrew making raccoon eyes in the back, half of my sister Lauren's face on the left, and my Mamaw Shain and me sitting up front. I miss my Mamaw all the time. She was a beautiful, amazing woman and a total style icon. Seeing this picture has made me think about her a lot this week. Love you Mamaw!


Hope your Monday is lovely, friends! xoxo

Weekend To Do's...

Happy Friday! I have big weekend plans that involve my couch, craft supplies, my sewing machine, and episodes of The Wonder Years on Netflix. Here's a little sneak peak into what I'll be doing....

I've looked high and low for the perfect necklace to wear with a simple black dress. Unfortunately, I have had no luck! Miraculously Jen loves Kev posted this amazing necklace tutorial and looks easy enough. I hope I can pull it off!

I've also had my eye on kimono jackets. They're basically little floral, open cardigans. After I saw this pin I knew I could so totally make this jacket myself---this will probably be the toughest craft of the weekend so wish me luck!

Ok one more DIY plan....check out this Anthropologie lamp shade----for $88 buckeroos! Yikes! Don't you think I can do this myself??? I'm gonna try.

What are your weekend plans? I'll be crafting all afternoon Saturday and probably Sunday after church too so join me if you'd like!

What's Inside My Purse!

I always think these kinds of posts are interesting....I like seeing what other ladies feel is important enough to carry around with them every day! Here's what's inside my purse and makeup bag!

The Purse: A Dooney bag I got for Christmas from everyone in my family. I asked for Macy's gift cards and combined they all were enough to get this bag!

Left to Right: My pink and purple Fossil wallet, a beaded makeup bag I've had since high school, my planner, my sunglasses (cheapies from Target!), Say Yes to Carrots hand lotion, a voice recorder for class lectures and interviews, my keys with a Dooney key fob, Say Yes to Cucumbers face cleansing cloths (these babies are lifesavers!!), and finally, a handful of army men. You never know when war is going to break out at the dinner table!

Not pictured: My camera, for obvious reasons!

The Makeup Bag:

Sonia Kashuk for Target Mineral Powder, Concealer, and Blush in one: Can you get any more convenient that that? This baby is perfect for me because on most days I don't wear any sort of powder on my face. I do use the concealer for my dark under eye circles though!

Burts Bees Tinted Lip Balm in Hibiscus and Rose shades: I have always been a chapstick girl, so when I found these affordable balms in lovely grown up shades, I was smitten. The perfect amount of moisture and color!

Ear Plugs: I have no idea why those are in there. Ha!

Extra Pony O's and bobby pins

Tweezers for my hairy face problem!

Sephora Atomic Volume Mascara in Black

Visine for Contacts

Stila Convertible Eye Color in Stone: A dual shadow and liner in one stick!

That's about it! I do have some backup makeup at home, but what you see here is basically what I use every day.

If you have any more questions about the products featured here, let me know!

Leopard Pants = Too Jersey Shore?

So I've seen these pants floating around the blogosphere the past couple of weeks. And what I mean by that is simply LOTS of bloggers bought these same pants and are rocking them. So why can't I?



Kendi can wear pretty much anything because she's awesome. I on the other hand am a wimp and I just don't have the gusto she does!







Living in Color paired leopard with the same booties from Target that I have. So MAYBE I can pair them together too? I dunno she's really rocking them!

 





Finally when I saw this photo from Here and Now, I decided to go for it. I love how she rolled the bold pants up a bit to make them more casual, and paired them with a loose fitting tee.

 

 So, here's me in my leopard pants. Don't call me Snooky, ok?




Sunglasses: Target. Sweater: Macy's, old. Leopard Jeans: Target. Flats: Nine West.

 The preppy, cable knit sweater and lady-like flats balance out the crazy print on the pants. This outfit was perfect for Sunday afternoon shopping and napping, but I'm not sure it's office appropriate--might be a bit much.

What I discovered about these pants is that in a small town like Cape Girardeau, you might get a few stares. I guess folks just aren't used to seeing that much leopard! These pants are super comfy though, and the small print is surprisingly flattering. When the weather warms up I'll pair them with a drapey tank and flat sandals.

What do you think of the Leopard Jeans trend? Happy Monday, everyone!

Potty Training Fairy, Family Celebrations and More!

Hello friends! Hope everyone had a great weekend. Here's what we've been up to the past week:

We're having some potty training issues. John turned 3 last month and I'm really feeling the pressure to get him out of diapers for good. He has good days and bad, and almost always goes pee pee on the potty, but he definitely is not willing to go number two anywhere except in a pull up. I set a timer and pretty much force him to go into the bathroom every 20 minutes and at least try to go.....but it's getting exhausting for both of us! We also can't go out in public in underwear because he seems to always have an accident no matter how many times we go to the restroom. If there's a potty training fairy out there for hire, please send her my way!



Here's John wearing some "plastic panties" as I like to call them. These did NOT work at all for him! John thought they were too much like a diaper. I'll spare you the gory details but let's just say we had a mess.....everywhere.



But he sure looks cute wearing them huh? :)

I have really been trying to limit John's exposure to television. We only have basic cable, so that limits his viewing to only PBS and TCT which helps, but he loves DVD's and would watch one constantly if I'd let him. John's current favorite is Lady and the Tramp (it's probably my favorite too!) I'm only letting him watch TV while I'm cooking dinner, and as soon as it's time to eat no more TV. After dinner I want to focus more on reading or working on our word pronunciation. Please pray that I can be consistent with this, because it's far too easy to just turn on a movie and be done with it.

We have a new baby in the family! Daniel's brother Perry and wife Lauren welcomed Perry Clifford Hazelwood V into the world on Sunday, February 19. We waited for that little stinker for about 9 hours!



They had a big open playroom next to the hospital waiting room and John spent the entire afternoon goofing off with his Uncle Mitch who was home from West Point to see the new baby.



Nap time with Grandpa in the hospital waiting room.

He's here! Perry Clifford Hazelwood V, 9 1/2 pounds, 21 inches long! Great job Mama Lauren!



I am a proud Aunt!!



Daniel and I also celebrated our 3rd Anniversary on February 21st! We celebrated with a Fat Tuesday inspired dinner of raw oysters, homemade jambalaya, crab cakes and fancy bloody mary's!

Dinner was sooo good! Those are our Anniversary cards behind the food there :)

Our fancy bloody mary's :)

John had a special drink too! Non-alcoholic of course!

I hope you had a fun week too!