my challenge is to wear something different every day by only repeating bottoms (there are only so many pants that fit me). Every day I wear my wedding band & engagement ring. Absolutely lovee the set my hubby picked out (from michael hill). Most days I also wear my Mother's Day necklace (has the image (very tiny) of a mother and child and Sadie's birthstone (diamond-- lucky me!)) (Also from Michael Hill), but if I wear any other jewelry I will take the necklace off.

Day 1. March 13, 2012

Grey v neck t-shirt (Old Navy), open navy & black striped cardigan (Forever 21), dark wash, bootcut jeans (from my hubby for my birthday), grey converse (Target one- star)

First school day of the week... Longest day too. I also changed into black yogas & a hoodie when I went into teach. Happy Day!

Day 2. March 14, 2012

White ballet neck, 3/4 sleeve plain tee (Old Navy), army green, jersey knit, just above knee skirt (Goodwill, originally Target (original price tags still attached-- hence the Goodwill obsession)), cream, metallicy, striped scarf... that literally goes with everything (Steph brought back from Ireland for me), snake skin ballet flats (from Steph for Christmas, but I think Shoe Carnival)

We went to a BBQ for Joe's work & it was 80 degrees... so I wanted to be cute, but not overly dressy (which is why my obsession with jersey knit skirts has begun =D).  I ended up changing into black yogas when I went to teach (dance).

Day 3. March 15, 2012

Teal tank with a light light green color crocheted at the top (from Steph's closet at one point... Discovery maybe), black skinnies (Walmart of all places!), black ballet flats, sling back, with a bow (Payless), teal/brown/gold beaded necklace (Wetseal like 5 years ago (I wore it for my high school senior pictures))

Another day at school today.  Luckily its the last day before spring break =).  I hope everyone has gorgeous weather surrounding them today!!

Day 4. March 16, 2012

Another gorgeous day in chicagoland.

Blue and white striped sun dress with a coral neck line (Goodwill, originally Target), white flat sandals (I think NY&Co like 4 years ago). Went to Orchesis to teach & choreograph so I changed into shorts & a tank.

Day 5. March 17, 2012 (Happy St Patty's Day!)

Started my morning at Orchesis and then hopped over to teach my girlies- grey shorts and a 3/4 sleeve orange Tshirt (both from VS).  Changed into capris and a tank (both Target I believe) for a bike ride with my hubby.  Ended the day in an Army green v-neck (Old Navy) and shorts with a cuff (Goodwill).

Day 6. March 18, 2012

Started our morning at church. I was a Eucharistic Minister and decided to dress as classy and springy as possible. Wore a tan skirt, hit just below the knee & had 3 stripes across the bottom, light pink, coral and dark brown (Goodwill originally Target), a pink tank top with ruffles across the top and about half way down the shirt in chiffon (The Limited) and a brown cardigan (Old Navy). Paired it with the pink flats I wore for my wedding, open toed with flowers across the top of the foot (Steve Madden from DSW).

After a few hours at home I changed into a white Tshirt with a design and rhinestones (VS Pink collection) and the same shorts I wore on Saturday).

Day 7. March 19, 2012

White v- neck T-shirt (Discovery), Pink dolman sleeve that buttons down the front (originally from Molly, but I believe its from Discovery), Black jeans (Walmart) and my wedding shoes.

Not much on the agenda today.  Planning Sadie's first birthday! (Cannot believe its happening already). And spending the day with my family!

Day 8. March 20, 2012

 Teal shorts (Goodwill- originally Target), whit v-neck fitted tshirt (Discovery?), teal/brown beady necklace (Wet Seal), flip flops with flowers on around the toes (Target children's section- look exactly like the Steve Maddens but for 1/4 (if even that) of the price).

Day 9. March 21, 2012

Ran to the store with Sadie.  Teaching later on. 

Started the day in a black jersey knit skirt (Goodwill originally Target), yellow spaghetti strap tank top with white polka dots (Old Navy), Black flat sandals (I think NY&Co like 4 years ago)

Ended up spilling coffee all over & changed into a tank & capris to teach.

Day 10. March 22, 2012

Leggings (Walmart- Danskin Brand), tealish tank (Target), same color short sleeve cardi, decorated across the chest with buttons (The Limited close to 2 years ago), black flat sandals (NY & Co a while back)

I wanted something easy.

Day 11. March 23, 2012

Spent most of the day bumming around in pjs.  When I finally went out I wore...

Dark wash flare jeans (From Joe for my birthday but I think they are from JCPenney's), fitted tshirt that says "Hug a Tree" in the shape of a tree (Macy's? it was originally Diana's).

Day 12. March 24, 2012

I started the day with teaching & wore sweats to teach.  Joe and I celebrated our anniversary tonight by going to dinner at St. Charles Place Steakhouse (delicious) and spending the night in a hotel.

I wore a kelly green dress (Salvation Army, Lush brand), black peep toe heels (Target), black long cardi (Discovery), snakeskin belt (came in a pack of three from Steph for Christmas & are from Charlotte Russe)

Day  13. March 25, 2012

Church day today.

Black leggings (Walmart- Danskin), a bright blue tunic that has a tad darker of a stitched pattern around the neckline (Goodwill- originally Target), black slingback flats (Payless)

Day 14. March 26, 2012

Today is mine & Joe's first wedding anniversary =).

I am wearing medium wash skinny jeans (Old Navy), black button down (VS like 1000 years ago), blush pink cardigan with black lace (The Limited last year sometime), black headband with flower (The Limited 2 years or so ago), black sling back ballet flats (Payless)

Day 15. March 27, 2012

First day back to school after spring break (wahhh).

medium wash skinny jeans (Old Navy), white tank (longish) with chiffon flowers around the neck (Discovery? not really sure, I think it came out of my mom's closet), tan cardigan that ties buttons up and then ties at the waist (Goodwill- originally Target), brown ballet flats with a tiny shine & a tine heel (I think Nordstrom-- they were my senior year prom shoes), bracelet thats beaded in oranges and pinks with a goldish band through the center to connect it (JCPenney's- I was supposed to wear it for Sadie's baptism but it didn't match my belt), earrings that have elephants on them and orange beads to match the bracelet (JCPenney's- I was supposed to wear it for Sadie's baptism but it didn't match my belt).

Day 16. March 28, 2012

medium wash, boyfriend jeans with rips (Goodwill- Allen B), white and tan, horizontal stripe, long sleeve t-shirt (The Limited), light blue lace scarf (my mom), snakeskin flats (Stephanie for Christmas-- I think Shoe Carnival)

I spent most of the day inside with Sadie, but we did head to the park for a bit.

Day 17. March 29, 2012

Black dress pants (Goodwill- Originally Target), black tank top (Walmart or Discovery), black mesh cap sleeve top with band across the bottom and white circle pattern (The Limited), kelly green 3/4 sleeve A-symmetrical ruffle cardigan (The Limited), Black peep toe heel (Target).

Day 18. March 30, 2012

Grey, light blue & light purple plaid tunic (Goodwill), light purple cardigan with ruffle, 3/4 sleeve (The Limited- not the same as the green one), black legging (Walmart- Danskin), black, slouchy boots with pointy toe (Target).

Day 19. March 31, 2012

Skinny jeans (Walmart), fitted Cubs tshirt (Walmart like 4 years ago), navy and burgundy striped cardigan, long enough to cover my butt (Forever 21, last September), grey booties (Payless)

Day 20. April 1, 2012

Church day.  Lilac/pinkish and white patterned skirt (with pockets) (Goodwill- Originally Target), grey, ballet neck, 3/4 sleeve top (Old Navy), black tights with pinstripe (The Limited), black heels (Shoe Carnival, I forget the brand)

Day 21. April 2, 2012

I worked out in the morning & then choreographed & did not leave the house at all. Please forgive my attire.

Red basketball shorts with black and white stripes (My husbands-- I think Old Navy), grey tshirt (random HS tshirt or something)

Day 22. April 3, 2012

Today, I am lazy (or exhausted ;).  I am in black yoga pants, the fold over waist band with angel wings on the band (VS Super Model Collection), hot pink hoodie, angel wings/heart on the back... can't remember (VS Super Model Collection), grey tshirt- DKB (dancers kick butt) (Hidden Talents dance store like 10 years ago), grey and pink gym shoes (Nikes years ago).

I'm teaching later, so I honestly feel no need to change =P

Day 23. April 4, 2012

Stayed in pjs most of the day again.  I just felt lazy. Sadie slept in too, so before I knew it the day was over... I changed into yoga pants (black) (Walmart- Danskin), a green dance recital tshirt (Dance Recital '08) and a bright blue sweatshirt type top (VS Pink Collection) to teach.

Day 24. April 5, 2012

Black leggings (Walmart- Danskin), short sleeve, army green, v-neck tunic (Forever 21- last year), white scarf with army green and bright blue polka dots (The Limited), snakeskin flats (Shoe Carnival- Steph for Christmas)

Had to be cute but functional today because I am teaching again later.  Its crunch time for Orchesis... hence the extra work.

Day 25. April 6, 2012

I am still trying to remember what I wore... or if I left the house at all...

Edit: We did leave the house... we went to Sam's & got a ton of free samples (no that is not the reason we went).

Grey and purple striped cardigan with a hood (VS- Pink Collection, white "perfect" tee, v-neck with chiffon flower detail and rouched sides (The Limited), black leggings (Walmart)

Day 26. April 7, 2012

Started the day early to teach for Orchesis and then my girls all day.  I wore yogas and a tank... I think

Ended the day with a long night of church and changed into: tan, exact stretch pants (The Limited), a navy, pink and tanish patterned top, short flutter sleeves, a square neck and a tie waist (Goodwill- Originally Target) and a navy wrap sweater with a hood (Deb... maybe? Its from like 7 years ago... not even exaggerating), snakeskin flats (Shoe Carnival).

Day 27. April 8, 2012

Easter Sunday!  Joe and I were Eucharistic Ministers today... I wore: black skirt with white polka dots, fitted (like a suit skirt) with a ruffle at the bottom (and it was chiffon), periwinkle/light blue top with chiffon, ruffle sleeves (Express), and a grey cardigan with a pearl bow on the left (boobish area) and pearl like buttons (Forever 21- 3 or 4 years ago... still one of my faves!), black round toe heel.

Day 28. April 9, 2012

Skinny jeans (Old Navy- sweet heart fit), brown long sleeve tshirt (The Limited), tan short sleeve cardigan/sweater, 2 buttons at the top and a hood (Discovery...? Mom's closet I think), snakeskin flats (Shoe Carnival), cream colored scarf (big & fluffy too) (Christmas present from my mom).

Day 29. April 10, 2012

Skinny jeans (Old Navy- sweet heart fit), taupe long sleeve blouse like/ short tunic, v-neck with embroidery down the v & collar (Goodwill- Kenneth Cole), light natural cardigan, long, open ruffles around the opening (my mom's closet), snake skin flats (Shoe Carnival)

Day 30. April 11, 2012

White v-neck long sleeve sweater (Wetseal), black leggings (Walmart), pink & orange color blocked scarf (The Limited)[funny story about that scarf: I was on my way into work when Joe asked me on our first date... and I was in a navy tshirt, jeans & my pumas so I needed something. I was going to buy a whole new outfit, but he refused to tell me where we were going (I was right on my first guess, but didn't know it) and so, I bought the scarf to atleast look cute =)], black ballet flats (Payless)

Day 31. April 12, 2012

Black pants (The Limited- Cassidy fit), purple 3/4 sleeve, button down/up in a jersey material (Goodwill), light and dark purple design scarf (my aunt for my birthday), black ballet flats (Payless-- I need/want new ones)

Day 32. April 13, 2012

I chopped my hair today! yay! Also, first time I did skinnies (aka straight jeans) with converse & I kind of liked it... still not sure about that trend though.

Skinny jeans in a very blue wash (not actual non jean color) (Walmart), grey converse one- star (Target), grey (ish) button down/up, worn open like a cardigan (My mom's closet-- I think Discovery), coral and white striped tee (Old Navy), teal and coral floral scarf (The Limited)

A time comes in your life when you finally get it... when in the midst of all 
your fears and insanity you stop dead in your tracks and somewhere the voice inside your head cries out - ENOUGH! Enough fighting and crying or struggling to hold on. And, like a child quieting down after a blind tantrum, your sobs begin to subside, you shudder once or twice, you blink back your tears and through a mantle of wet lashes you begin to look at the world through new eyes. This is your awakening. You realize it's time to stop hoping and waiting for something to change or for happiness, safety and security to come galloping over the next horizon. 

Finding Self Confidence 
You awaken to the fact you are not perfect and not everyone will always love, appreciate or approve of who or what you are... and that's OK. (They are entitled to their own views and opinions.) And you learn the importance of loving and championing yourself and in the process a sense of new found confidence is born of self approval. 

Accepting Responsibility: 
You stop bitching and blaming other people for the things they did to you (or didn't do for you) and you learn that the only thing you can really count on is the unexpected. You learn people don't always say what they mean or mean what they say and not everyone will always be there for you and that it's not always about you. So, you learn to stand on your own and to take care of yourself and in the process a sense of safety & security is born of self-reliance. 

Awakening to Forgiveness of self and others: 
You stop judging and pointing fingers and you begin to accept people as they are, and to overlook their shortcomings and human frailties, and in the process a sense of peace & contentment is born of forgiveness. You realize that much of the way you view yourself, and the world around you, is as a result of all the messages and opinions that have been ingrained into your psyche. And you begin to sift through all the crap you've been fed about how you should behave, how you should look, and how much you should weigh, what you should wear, and where you should shop, and what you should drive, how and where you should live, and what you should do for a living, who you should sleep with, who you should marry, and what you should expect of a marriage, the importance of having and raising children or what you owe your parents. 

Opening up to New Worlds and Different Points of View: 
You learn to open up to new worlds and different points of view. And you begin reassessing and redefining who you are and what you really stand for. You learn the difference between wanting and needing and you begin to discard the doctrines and values you've outgrown, or should never have bought into to begin with, and in the process you learn to go with your instincts. 

Giving vs. Consumerism: 
You learn it is truly in giving that we receive. And there is power and glory in creating and contributing and you stop maneuvering through life merely as a "consumer" looking for your next fix. 

Honesty and Integrity: 
You learn that principles such as honesty and integrity are not the outdated ideals of a bygone era but the mortar that holds together the foundation upon which you must build a life. 

Guilt vs. Responsibility: 
You learn you don't know everything, it's not your job to save the world and you can't teach a pig to sing. You learn to distinguish between guilt and responsibility and the importance of setting boundaries and learning to say NO. You learn the only cross to bear is the one you choose to carry and that martyrs get burned at the stake. 

Love: 
Then you learn about love. Romantic love and familial love. How to love, how much to give in love, when to stop giving and when to walk away. You learn not to project your needs or your feelings onto a relationship. You learn you will not be, more beautiful, more intelligent, more lovable or important because of the man or woman on your arm or the child that bears your name. 

Being Realistic About Relationships: 
You learn to look at relationships as they really are and not as you would 
have them be. You stop trying to control people, situations and outcomes. You learn just as people grow and change so it is with love ... and you learn you don't have the right to demand love on your terms ... just to make you happy. 

Being Alone vs. Being Lonely and Self Acceptance: 
And, you learn that alone does not mean lonely ... And you look in the mirror and come to terms with the fact you will never be a size 5 or a perfect 10 and you stop trying to compete with the image inside your head and agonizing over how you "stack up." 

Denying the Destiny of Self Sacrifice 
You also stop working so hard at putting your feelings aside, smoothing things over and ignoring your needs. You learn feelings of entitlement are perfectly OK ... and that it is your right to want things and to ask for the things that you want ... and that sometimes it is necessary to make demands. 

Self Respect in Sexual Relationships 
You come to the realization you deserve to be treated with love, kindness, sensitivity and respect and you won't settle for less. And, you allow only the hands of a lover who cherishes you to glorify you with her or his touch ... and in the process you internalize the meaning of self-respect. 

Treating Your Body as a Temple 
And you learn your body really is your temple. And you begin to care for it and treat it with respect. You begin eating a balanced diet, drinking more water and taking more time to exercise. You learn fatigue diminishes the spirit and can create doubt and fear. So you take more time to rest. And, just as food fuels the body, laughter fuels our soul. So you take more time to laugh and to play. 

Belief Systems: 
You learn, that for the most part, in life you get what you believe you deserve... and that much of life truly is a self-fulfilling prophecy. 

Discipline, Direction and Perseverance: 
You learn anything worth achieving is worth working for and wishing for something to happen is different from working toward making it happen. More importantly, you learn in order to achieve success you need direction, discipline and perseverance. You also learn no one can do it all alone and that it's OK to risk asking for help. 

Fear: 
You learn the only thing you must truly fear is the great robber baron of all time. Fear itself. You learn to step right into and through your fears because you know whatever happens you can handle it and to give in to fear is to give away the right to live life on your terms. And you learn to fight for your life and not to squander it living under a cloud of impending doom. You learn life isn't always fair, you don't always get what you think you deserve and sometimes bad things happen to unsuspecting, good people. On these occasions you learn not to personalize things. You learn no one is punishing you or failing to answer your prayers. It's just life happening. 

Evil and Ego 
And you learn to deal with evil in its most primal state - the ego. You learn 
negative feelings such as anger, envy and resentment must be understood and redirected or they will suffocate the life out of you and poison the universe that surrounds you. You learn to admit when you are wrong and build bridges instead of walls. 

Gratitude 
You learn to be thankful and to take comfort in many of the simple things we take for granted, things that millions of people upon the earth can only dream about: a full refrigerator, clean running water, a soft warm bed, a long hot shower. 

Learning not to settle: 
Slowly, you begin to take responsibility for yourself by yourself and you make yourself a promise to never betray yourself and to never ever settle for less than your heart's desire. And you hang a wind chime outside your window so you can listen to the wind. And you make it a point to keep smiling, to keep trusting, and to stay open to every wonderful possibility. Finally, with courage in your heart and with faith by your side you take a stand, you take a deep breath and you begin to design the life you want to live as best as you can. 

Dr. Parthenia Grant