Five Loves on Friday

Happy FRIDAY, friends!  Anyone else excited for this final weekend of January?  I know I am!  But first, I have some lovely loves to share! Let's get right to it, shall we?

One // Mother/Daughter Girls Day!

On Saturday Princess and I enjoyed a full and fabulous girls day!  We shopped til we dropped, picking up all sorts of items she needed for an upcoming youth group retreat and some cute new pieces for her winter wardrobe.  My frugal minded sweetie rarely allows me the joy of buying her things "just because", so I took great pleasure in spoiling her!

We spent quite a while at Kohl's "playing dress up" and finding some fabulous tops ALL on sale and I paired those discounted prices with an additional 30% off coupon! Sweet savings makes this mama oh so happy!  Here are some of my favorites from that mom/daughter shopping spree ...

Links to the looks:  1.  Elle Ribbed Peplum Sweater  //  2.  I couldn't find this online, but it's from Vera Wang's Simply Vera collection at Kohl's   //  3.  SO Open Long Sleeve Cardigan, tee also from Kohl's, no longer available //  4.  Apt. 9 Pleated Hem Crewneck Sweater //  5.  Elle Ribbed Peplum Sweater 

After Kohl's we hit Famous Footwear and got her some nice new boots also at 30% off! These will come in very handy for all the snowy fun she has ahead of her at her retreat this weekend!

Bearpaw Women's Elle Tall Winter Boots // Famous Footwear

When we brought them to the gal at the checkout she raved about how much she loves her own bearpaw boots.  She mentioned that she owns both these and uggs and has found her bearpaws to be made much better!  At a fraction of the price, yes, please and thank you!

After shoe shopping we popped into Dollar Tree for some snacky sustenance and liquid refreshment, then buzzed over to Walmart for a few more items she still needed and essentials.  From there we ordered her choice of pizza and hit the redbox for a flick!  Our late afternoon into early evening was spent munching on pizza, snuggled up on the couch together watching a movie.  It was a pretty perfect day!

Taco pizza with super sweet company! Win/delicious win!

Two // My Own Fab Finds

You know I love a sharing a fun haul, and while I didn't spend much on myself I did find a couple too-cute and on sale items I couldn't resist picking up, so why not share, right?  I wasn't even looking through the clearance rack at Kohl's where this hung.  I spotted it from a ways off - pink, plus polka dots, and ruffles, my girly heart was giddy!  I couldn't resist!  While at Walmart my gold loving eyes were drawn to another clearance rack where I spotted this fun metallic Mickey and Minnie sweater! It's never too soon to start up my next WDW vacation wardrobe!  This year we're planning a late fall/early winter trip so it will be perfect!  

1.  I couldn't find a pink to link, but here are similar ruffle tops // 2.  Metallic All Over Printed Fleece Pullover 

Three // Limited Edition Oreos

If you've been around here for a while you know I can't pass up the chance to try a fun new Oreo flavor!  This is one I've been super excited to get my hands on!  It didn't disappoint!  

Chocolate.  Strawberry.  Oreo.  Mmm!



Four // A Thankful Heart

Need a reason to be thankful in the midst of what at times can seem like a monotonous routine of every day life?  When you're done reading this post hop back to yesterday's Throwback, Blessings Hidden in the Mundane.  I pray it'll be an encouragement to you!

Five // TODAY!

You know those days on the calendar that everyone in the family is counting down to?  Well, today is that day for us!  Princess is super excited to be heading off to a winter retreat with her youth group for the weekend, Little One is having a sleepover with my parents for some special one-on-one time with them, and this means DATE NIGHT for Jason and I!  We are all doing a big ol' happy dance over here!  Care to join in?  Go for it!  It's Friday, friends!  Enjoy every lit'l bit of yours and have yourself a delightful weekend while you're at it!

Thanks so much for popping by today!  It's a treat to have you here!  I'd love it if you said, "Hello!" in the comment section below before you go! ;)

In case you missed it...

Earlier This Week at Chatting Over Chocolate:

Direct link to this blog post:  

Trip Report Tuesday: California Day 2 // Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

Join me in the adventures to come!

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Linking up with:

My sweet blogging friends, Tif, Katie, & Della for High Five for Friday & 

Friday Favorites with Momfessionals

...If you're visiting from one of these link ups, be sure to say, "Hello!"  

I'd love to come check out your Friday favorites too! ;)

Five Loves on Friday // New Year's Edition

Today my 5 Loves on Friday consists of 5 things I'd love to do in 2014!

1.  Live Bravely.

I yearn to live bravely in every corner of my life. ...brave enough to step outside of the comfort of daily routine.  ...brave enough to resist cowering over needless fears and worries.  ...brave enough to stop concerning myself so much with what others think {when more often than not they aren't thinking of me at all}. 

This year I desire to ...

Live. 

Explore.  

Take the time to marvel at the beauty and creativity of His creation! {not just the grand things, but the gorgeous intricate details.}

Mediate on His Sovereignty & proclaim the goodness and glory of my mighty God!

Every day of this life is an undeserved gift.  Live it well for His glory. ♥️

2.  Organize // Declutter // Love Every Inch We Call Home

Donate all items we no longer have use for and stop buying things just because they are a "good deal"!  It doesn't matter if the Target clearance tag is marked down to "$0.01", if I buy it without having a specific space or use for it it becomes instant clutter.  Who needs more of that?

3.  Act Justly //  Love Kindness  //  Walk Humbly with God

4.  Daily Devotions

{source}

FREE Online Daily Devotions from Grace to You:

Drawing Near

Strength for Today

Daily Bible

Daily Readings

Excellent stuff.

5.  Evaluate Use of Time in Light of the Brevity of Life.

I desire to be a good steward of my time.  We're each given a 24 hour day and we choose how to spend every bit of it.  May I not squander it on needless "busyness", but spend it well.

I have so many personal goals in my role as wife // mom // servant of God // friend // & even as a blogger. These five only scratch the surface of my hopes for this year.  There's something so beautiful about the start of a fresh new year and taking time to reflect upon how we aim to live it.  I'd love to hear about your goals for 2014 too!  Feel free to comment sharing yours, or if you've blogged about it leave a link below and I'll return the visit! ;)

Happy New Year, friends!

35 by 35! Blog Series Finale: BIRTHDAY EDITION!

First, I want to THANK YOU, dear reader, for caring to stop by for the finale of this blog series!  While I've lost weight throughout this challenge, I have gained a fresh new outlook and a drive to continue pursuing and enjoying a healthy life!!  I'm so glad that you've come along with me on this journey.  I pray that I was able to encourage you along the way!  Okay, without further ado, here are the results of my final challenge weigh in!

35 by 35! #13

Happy Thursday, friends!  This past week has been absolutely wonderful! So thrilled to share it with you all, along with a fiber-packed sweet treat, and encouragement to view your choices in a positive light!  Let's get right to it...

35 by 35! #12

Happy Thursday, friends!  Time to check in with you all, and share a FREE must-see app.  Let's get right to it...

35 by 35! #11

Hello, friends! I hope you all enjoyed a terrific first week of August.  I'm excited to share the progress I've made over the past week and hopefully hear about yours in the comment section!  I also have a yummy chocolate covered (light) food find for you, and a dose of encouragement too!

35 by 35! #8

Is it just me or do these Summer weeks pass SUPER QUICKLY?!  We're enjoying every bit of it though!  It's been such a terrific week, filled with (red velvet wedding cake) temptation and mini triumphs.  Wanna hear all about it, and hopefully be encouraged along the way too? You've come to the right post!  35 by 35 time!

35 by 35! #7

Hello, sweet friends!  Welcome to this week's edition of 35 by 35!  I hope it finds you well, and moving closer to any personal health and wellness goals that you've set for yourself this Summer!  I'm excited to check in with you, sharing my progress ...plus a delicious low cal treat, and a dash of motivation too!