Style Goals for Fall '12: Footwear

So I feel as though since I've started blogging I've become much more aware of the options my closet provides.  However, I have done myself an injustice in the form of footwear.  I do have several very nice pairs of shoes, but rarely do I wear them.  I tend to live in my Rainbow flip flops and Mizuno running shoes.  Fashion faux pas 101. 

I have several style goals for fall 2012. 

Being a teacher, I need to have comfortable footwear because I'm on my feet almost 8-10 hours every day.  So, one goal is to incorporate more wedges into my wardrobe. 

I love these Aztec print wedges.  I need to broaden my horizons by adding patterns and color to my footwear wardrobe.

I need some wedge sandals to wear with skirts and dresses in the summer/fall in NC.

Navy is a color I definitely do not own in footwear.  The small wedge is professional, but comfy for long days.

I love the low wedge and nude color.

This would be great for weddings.

I LOVE turquoise!

All of the above shoes are from JC Penney.  I love their new product/sales pitch.  Everything is bright, fun, and extremely affordable.  If you haven't checked out the new and improved JC Penney, you are missing out.

I haven't been doing much shopping this summer aside from thrifting and refashioning.  I intend to do a "back to school" shopping spree the first weekend in August.  If you don't know, that weekend is tax free weekend in NC!  Boo-yahhhhh!!!  

Stay tuned for more style goals for fall 2012.

VBS: Survivor Style

I am so blessed to be the Vacation Bible School director at my church, Freedom Family Church.  If you live in the area (Piedmont Triad, NC), you need to check it out!  We aren't just an ordinary church; we are a church for the rest of us.

This week is our VBS and the theme is Survivor.  VBS is so important to me because as a teacher, I have learned that not all kids are as lucky as I was growing up.  I know that I brag on my parents a lot, but its because they did a pretty darn good job raising me and they deserve it!  I didn't take it easy on them all the time.  Not all children have this luxury.  Some kids go days, weeks even, without getting a hug or hearing "I love you."  Some have parents that aren't present or are consumed by drugs and alcohol.  For some kids, my smiling face is the only one they see each day.  Then summer comes.

Summer equates inconsistency and hunger for a lot of kids.  Hunger for food, hunger for attention, and hunger for love.  I can't provide these things for kids during the summer except through VBS.  Thank God, I've been given this ministry so that I can rest assured that every child that attends feels God's love in one way, shape, or form. So many children do not learn the values of Christianity - I'm not talking memorizing bible verses - I'm talking what truly matters.  The roots of Christianity.  In my opinion (forgive me if I'm wrong), what truly matters is that kids grow up doing the right thing by God's standards, displaying unconditional love, and modeling that love and desire to do good to others.  Once those things are established, bible reading, verse memorization, and prayer add icing to the cake.

Faces and kids like this are why God has given me this ministry.

Here are a few pictures to show what we're up to at Freedom Park Sunday - Thursday from 6:30-8:30 p.m.  The excitement and competitive spirit in the Survivor Challenges is palpable.  The hearts being touched are warming.  And the praise/worship being displayed is energizing!  To God be the glory!

"In all these things, we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us." Romans 8:37

The week's scripture

She tie dyed her shirt the colors of her tribe

Ready to dye their shirts for the Survivor Challenges

Worshiping God and giving Him the glory

I am the Game Maker; a.k.a. I tell everyone what to do in the Survivor Challenges.

Zebulum Tribe is currently in first place!

Gilead Tribe is ready for battle at Survivor Challenges

Stripes

A few days ago, I headed out of town to hit up a particular yard sale only to drive by and see that it had packed up early.  Rather than just head home, I decided to scope out the thrift stores that I tend to pop into once a month or so.

Again, I hit the thrifting jackpot, but this time with fabric.  I bought a yard of jersey in mustard yellow, three yards of jersey black/white striped, and two 1/4 yards mustard yellow jacquard for $4.25!!

Today I followed Merrick's tutorial for a jersey pencil skirt and used some of that black/white striped jersey to make myself one.  I liked it so much I started working on one in the mustard yellow jersey as well.

 skirt: me, top: h&m

skirt: me, tank: a.n.a. c/o JC Penney, blazer: JC Penney