Now I have no idea what to wear tomorrow.
But in even better news, my tax return came yesterday JUST in time for this challenge to be over so I can go shopping!!!
I'm kidding. I'm not really going shopping. Well...I am, but just for that new camera. And I have to pick out a full size tripod and I need to figure out what kind of laptop I'm going to get. Hopefully I can find all of these things on Amazon so that I can just place one order and be done with it. If anyone would like to email me some links to check out for tripods and laptops, I'd appreciate your suggestions! My email is aworkingmomscloset at gmail.com.
Today WILL be a good day. I'm going to make it a good day. For my new readers who aren't as familiar with my life in the past few months (hi new friends!!!), I'll just quickly fill you in by saying that since around September, life has been a little rough. My husband and I divorced in December, and today would have been our 10 year anniversary. We're still very good friends and in fact, he wrote on my Facebook wall this morning to tell me not to let it make me sad and that he's grateful for more than 10 years of our friendship. I feel the same way.
And today also marks two months since my friend Jamie passed away from Leukemia. Some of you may have been wondering why I wear the orange bracelet every single day, and it's because I simply can't take it off yet. It's a Leukemia Awareness bracelet that I got at Jamie's memorial service. I'm just not ready to take it off.
Okay - WHEW! I'm telling you this because I really just want to be honest about who and what I am. Sometimes life is hard. Sometimes things get depressing. But our reaction to events and situations can determine how everything plays out and whether or not we're essentially happy.
So today, I choose to be happy. I choose to be grateful that I knew Jamie for the short time that I did, that I had the honor and priviledge of being touched by her amazing faith and that I was able to visit with her a few more times before she died. I continue to be blessed by her through reading the blog her father has started since her passing.
I'm grateful that I know my ex-husband, that we created such a beautiful, intelligent, funny and sweet, sweet-spirited little almost-four-year-old, that we are still the best of friends and that I can rely and depend on him every time I need him. And I'm grateful that my tax return got here so I can get all the new junk I need!
I will make today a good day. How about you?
Purple Dress: Plato's Closet
Striped Shirt: Wal-Mart
White Belt: Wal-Mart
Leopard Flats: Target
Necklace: Can't remember
Ring: Forever 21 (um...I think)
Don't forget to enter the Shopbop Giveaway! Entries are accepted through Sunday night!
You're always so inspiring :) Ok I WILL make it a good day today. I feel "tall" today LOL! I don't know how to explain that and I certainly can't tell my 6'5" husband that without him laughing his butt off but I do :P AND I got a last minute hair appointment today so yeah no more crazy hair for at least another month ;)
ReplyDeleteSo happy you finished the challenge! You're going to feel so "free" tomorrow when you get dressed!!!
ReplyDeleteI hope today is a great day for you :)
Hello, I am pretty new to fashion blogs...I discovered them about a month ago and they are so fun and helpful. I really enjoy your blog and it has helped me, a fashion challenged Mom, to think outside the box when dressing every day. I'm learning to use accessories and remix...new concepts to me.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE todays outfit!
I hope you have a great day and thank your for sharing your story!
i love your inspirational words, Mel! i'm glad to hear that you and your ex-husband are still friends and how nice of him to post that on your FB wall.
ReplyDeleteyour leopard print flats are super cute and i really like the white belt with this outfit.
and you will make it a great day! :)
cute and little
Send you a big hugs. Congrats on finishing 30x30.
ReplyDeleteToday I will be closing at work and I haven't done that in 3 month's. So its going to be a long night.
I hope you have a great day.
http://amyfashionblog52.blogspot.com/
I think this might be my favorite outfit of all--way to end with a bang!
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks for your optimism and perseverance. New dawn, new day, new life, right?
I think this outfit is a great way to end the 30x30. It's pulled together, and looks so comfy! And if it's going to be a good day today, comfy is an excellent way to start!! And remember: tomorrow you don't work! That would make every Thursday a great day for me!
ReplyDeleteKeep your chin up!
ReplyDeleteMelissa, you are an awesome person. I'm so glad that you and your ex are able to be nice and civil. One of my good friends is currently going through a divorce and nasty doesn't even begin to describe it. I'm sure your little one benefits so much from the way you two are handling the situation.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on finishing the 30x30 :)
No More Sweatpants
It's so easy to allow ourselves to get down when things get bad (as I do, as you know). Thanks for reminding us to choose to be happy. And although it doesn't erase the bad stuff going on, that simple choice can make such a difference in how we approach our day and our lives.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on finishing the challenge and have fun shopping this weekend!
You are such as inspiration Melissa! Staying positive during difficult times isn't always easy and I really appreciate your honesty. *hugs*
ReplyDeleteI love your whole look, especially your cute leopard flats. Congrats on finishing the 30 for 30! I finished today as well, but am a few days behind in posting pictures.
Congrats on finishing the challenge! I like the blue and the leopard together.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great attitude you have girl! Your joy is contagious, so keep it up. And you are so right, sometimes we have to choose to be happy that day. And when all else fails, remember that "Our limitations are God's opportunities." He will sustain as and make horrible situations work together for the good and for His glory.
ReplyDeleteps. Leopard print with navy blue? Genius! Love it.
I love your outfit today! It's so cute. You look great. I'm happy for your positive attitude!
ReplyDeleteYeah for choosing to be happy!! Congrats on the tax return...cannot wait to hear about the new camera and laptop!!
ReplyDeleteEven more congrats for finishing the 30 for 30...I am almost there!!
Great outfit today!
Mel - Congrats on finishing the challenge. I'm still a week away from that. Also, sending prayers your way for this difficult day. You'll get through it with your normal style and grace. And lastly, Yay about the new camera!! - Katy
ReplyDeleteHey Mel!! CONGRATULATIONS on finishing the challenge. I still have TWELVE... yes TWELVE outfits remaining. WTH? Oh well.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, thanks for always being so open and sharing your heart with us. It's good to hear that you and your ex-husband have maintained a friendship. My mom and dad split when I was two but they always remained friends and that made all the difference for me. To this day, we can still have combined family events and it's awesome!
Sorry to hear about your friend. Your love and support even now is greatly appreciated by her family and loved ones.
Woohoo for tax refunds. I need a new laptop and camera, too. I'll be waiting to see what you get!
I like this one, a lot! And congrats on completing the challenge.
ReplyDeleteCongrats for finishing! Doesn't it feel good? Great outfit to end the challenge!
ReplyDeleteYou are a seriously beautiful person inside and out! Congratulations on finishing the 30x30. I'll be praying for you today!
ReplyDeleteWoo! Congrats on your 30/30.
ReplyDeleteThis post hits me at the perfect time. My mom was admitted to the hospital yesterday and it's a very complicated reason why.
I'm thankful that this time, it's not as bad as it could be.
I'm thankful for the trip I have planned next week.
I'm thankful that everything has happened during a time where I can be off school.
Congrats on finishing the challenge. That's so great and proof that you really don't need a lot of "stuff" to have a wonderful style.
ReplyDelete~Courtney
Congrats on finishing (*secret happy dance*), and thank you for sharing who you are. It has been so wonderful getting to know you better and I hope to continue to see all of your inspiring outfits and hear your inspiring stories, too! :)
ReplyDeletehttp://jenniferhuerta.blogspot.com
Your last outfit is gorgeous! You look great...did you cut your hair?
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your technie purchases! A new camera and laptop are always so much fun. I got the new MacBook Air for my travels and I love it!
I hope you have a great day today.
ox
Thank you so much for your sweet comments! I am loving this challenge! I am one of the ones who still has a couple of days since husband couldn't take pics of me! Congrats on finishing and I am so glad you stopped by, I was reading through some of your posts, so very sorry about your friend. And yes, I wake up everyday and I have to remind myself to CHOOSE how I want to feel. Fashion helps with that too! I am your newest follower!
ReplyDeleteShana
ColorBlind
THRIFTERS WANTED LINK UP HERE
Congrats to completing your challenge - and I love how you are always smiling and looking to the bright side of things, we all need to be more like you!
ReplyDeletePlease keep us informed on what kind of camera and laptop you get - I'm on the market for a new home laptop!
you are the layering queen! I love this outfit completely what a way to end your 30x30
ReplyDeleteI love how you layer pieces I would never think to layer!
ReplyDeleteWow you have a lot on your plate today! Way to keep a positive attitude.
ReplyDeletelove your optimism. You have allot to be happy about. I'm sorry to hear about your friend.
ReplyDeleteAs for tripods. Ugg. I use a really old one. But I would say make sure you get a remote. They're like $15 and they make them for most cameras. You'll love it.
designrefinebemine.blogspot.com
love your optimism. You have allot to be happy about. I'm sorry to hear about your friend.
ReplyDeleteAs for tripods. Ugg. I use a really old one. But I would say make sure you get a remote. They're like $15 and they make them for most cameras. You'll love it.
designrefinebemine.blogspot.com
totally thought that didn't go through, woops!
ReplyDeleteYeah for finishing the challenge!! I have 1 outfit left and I can't wait!! I feel like I am going to go on a shopping bindge but hopefully I can contain that!
ReplyDeleteI am glad you are making it a good day - you deserve to have a good day!!
Great attitude. Sometimes I have to check myself and remind myself of how good I really have it. I love this look today! That ring is awesome.
ReplyDeleteI'm so impressed by your incredibly positive attitude. I can't imagine how hard that all was, but it sounds like you have great perspective. I hope you do something fabulous today! :)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! I can't wait to have my closet and my shopping back!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great way to finish out the challenge! You look amazing! I love the striped tee under the dress...and the leopard flats are perfect! Great, subtle print mixing :)
ReplyDeleteYou have such a wonderful and inspiring outlook on life. I admire you so much for your positivity even in the toughest of times. I hope today and tomorrow are truly great for you - you deserve it!
so super jealous that your tax return came in. what a gift from uncle sam, that you can now go shop til you drop! we have yet to file. nuts.
ReplyDeleteby the way, you look fabulous here. way to go out with a bang, girl.
-brittney
http://adayinlifetoo.blogspot.com
Congrats on finishing the 30 for 30! It must feel great. I love your dress too. It's awesome. Glad you chose to make it a good day. Our attitude speaks volumes about the kind of day we are going to have.
ReplyDeleteI swear, I posted a comment earlier, but I don't see it now. Boo!
ReplyDeleteAnyway, congrats on finishing the challenge, congrats on getting your tax return, and congrats on choosing to be happy!
I can't imagine some of the tough things you've been through, but you deserve to have good things in your life :)
This Life, Redefined…stop by and say hi!
What a great approach to what could have been a difficult day. You are such a testament to the power of positive thinking. AND, you finished the challenge with a superb outfit. The layered stripes are just fantastic! Bravo to you! : 0
ReplyDeleteIs this a coincidence that I came across your post while feeling a bit down? I came home with a heavy heart but then your post helped lighten my mood. Thanks a lot!
ReplyDeletewhat a great finale to the 30x30!!! Love the stripes :-)
ReplyDeleteI hope today is a great day for you - you have such a positive outlook and I think that can make all the difference!
Ohhh, really liking this outfit and your hair looks GREAT here! You are seriously making me wanna get bangs!
ReplyDeletewhat a great final outfit. i love the stripes mixed with the leopard print flats. very cute!
ReplyDeleterebeccawithanR
Perfect timing the 30/30 is over and you got a tax return to go shopping! Congrats on being done.
ReplyDeleteWrite it in lipstick
What a positive and uplifting post- its great to focus on the good things going on! I love your last outfit and how you layered the pieces! Woo hoo we made it- now what to wear?
ReplyDeleteI really admire how you choose to be happy despite all the struggles you have been through. You are a true inspiration for all of us!
ReplyDeletewww.thejoyoffashion.blogspot.com
Great job, you did it, yay! And you SO deserve to go shopping ;-) Can't wait to see what camera you decide on. xx veronika
ReplyDelete1. AWESOME job finishing the challenge!!
ReplyDelete2. so amazed that you're still close with your ex, that is really admirable
3. you have hot legs. jealous.
:)
www.yogaandpencilskirts.blogspot.com
I am very happy to read this post my dear. It is full of positivity and gratitude!
ReplyDeleteOf course, you look fantastic, as you always do. I love, love your bangs!
Btw, I am updating my blogroll, as I realized you are not in it! Hmmn... my bad!
http://aworkingmomscloset.blogspot.com/
Congrats on finishing the challenge! You put together a lot of great outfits!
ReplyDeleteGood on you! Both for finishing the challenge beautifully and sharing the good and bad parts of life. Very inspiring! Keep being brave and more lovely things will come to you!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE your last outfit for the 30 for 30. And congratulations on making it!!! And I'm so sorry for the wild ride you've had these past few months! Wonderful outfit, wonderful blog, and a wonderful blogger! :)
ReplyDelete