Mom, you're a wonderful mother, So gentle, yet so strong. The many ways you show you care Always make me feel I belong.
You're patient when I'm foolish; You give guidance when I ask; It seems you can do most anything; You're the master of every task.
You're a dependable source of comfort; You're my cushion when I fall. You help in times of trouble; You support me whenever I call.
I love you more than you know; You have my total respect. If I had my choice of mothers, You'd be the one I'd select!
Moms are the reason that any of us are alive, but like... for real. They do so much for us and revel in the payment of a hug. They wreck their bodies to give us life. They trade sleep for late night feedings that eventually turn to worry as babies become teens. They trade in all their "pretty things" for a life of "comfort clothes" so that they dress us in the best (and still pay the bills). They spend their evenings criss-crossing the whole county to make sure we are at practice/meetings/games/ playdates. When someone calls to say they're dropping by, they have the ability to wash dishes, vacuum the living room, and dust while fixing their hair and wiping food off of everyone's faces. They can heal a wound with a smile and kiss and chase away all the bad dreams with a reassuring hug. They slave in the kitchen, coming up with three meals a day for 18+ years, all while fielding the question, "What's for dinner?" everyday! They suffer from multiple tiny heart attacks at any time we put ourselves in any kind of risk-taking adventure. They have the innate ability to know where everything is in the entire house and when it needs to be replaced/refilled. They know that slammed doors and hateful words shouted in anger are a sign that they are doing something right. They believe in us when it feels like the whole world is against you and remind us that we are loved and enough. To say Moms are superheroes is an understatement to what these women endure on a daily basis.
My superhero (mom) is Shannon Fountain. She was a teen mom, trying to figure it all out while getting her cosmetology degree. She started out doing hair in a salon with friends, but hard times forced her to get another job. She never gave up on her dream, perming hair in our kitchen while making dinner for us. Eventually, perseverance paid off, and she got her own salon, Expectations, with hair dressers working for her (all while going through a divorce with moody teens in tow). Years of working with the public, she has built up a loyal clientele. (And, believe me, made it hard for this girl to get away with anything in this town). Her love of her clients made her re-evaluate her location (on the second floor when many of her patrons are older and disabled), and she moved to Mountain City to a more accessible place with ample front-row parking and no stairs. She took in a young intern fresh out of cosmetology school and showed her all the tips and tricks of running a salon.
Now, Laura is celebrating 10 years of her salon opening, giving credit to my mom for helping in her success. Many of us know our moms are superheroes, but when other people think it too.... just validates what you already knew! You are blessed with best!
While we all gravitate toward different genres of books and stories; some of us listen while others hold the book in our hands, the goal is the same... "We read to know we're not alone" - C.S Lewis
Truth be told, while murder mysteries have my heart, I'm a sucker for a good romance, and there's nothing like a daily devotion to raise our spirits, help us stay focused, and remind us to keep moving forward. So, while my reading wishlist is a mile long, but I never miss a chance to add another...Tell us, what are you reading? And what is that one book, that you read that one time and you still think about it, and you could read it again and agin and it would never get old?
Please do tell!
Check back soon for new recommendations!
Happy Reading 📖 ❤️
Embrace Winter Comfort:
5 Must-Have Sweaters for Your Wardrobe
As winter wraps its chilly arms around us, it's time to update our wardrobes with cozy essentials. Sweaters, the epitome of winter fashion, come in various styles to suit every taste and occasion. In this blog post, we'll explore five essential sweater styles you need this winter: chunky, cropped, loungy, striped, and the classic sweatshirt. Let's delve into the uniqueness of each style and discover one stylish way to incorporate them into your winter looks. 1. Chunky Sweater: The chunky sweater is a winter wardrobe staple, offering both warmth and style. Its oversized, textured knit adds a touch of coziness to any outfit. Whether you're heading to the office or spending a casual day out, a chunky sweater effortlessly elevates your winter fashion game.
The Versatile Vibe Sweater
Styling Tip: Pair your chunky sweater with slim-fit jeans and ankle boots for a balanced silhouette. Add a statement belt to define your waist and complete the look with a wide-brimmed hat for a touch of chic flair. 2. Cropped Sweater: Showcasing a hint of midriff, the cropped sweater is perfect for those who want to stay warm while maintaining a trendy edge. This style is versatile, allowing you to create casual or dressed-up looks effortlessly.
Toasted Taupe Sweater
Styling Tip: Combine a cropped sweater with high-waisted trousers or a midi skirt for a fashion-forward ensemble. Layer a long coat over your outfit for added warmth and sophistication. Finish the look with ankle boots or stylish sneakers for a modern twist. 3. Loungy Sweater: Winter is synonymous with relaxation, and the loungy sweater embodies comfort without compromising on style. Whether you're staying in or heading out for a laid-back day, this sweater style exudes effortless cool. Mocha Muse Top Styling Tip: Opt for a loungy sweater in a neutral tone and pair it with your favorite leggings or joggers for the ultimate comfort-chic ensemble. Complete the look with cozy slip-on sneakers or fuzzy slippers for an extra touch of relaxation. 4. Striped Sweater: Inject a dose of playfulness into your winter wardrobe with a striped sweater. The timeless pattern adds a touch of whimsy to your outfit, making it a versatile choice for various occasions. Pocketed Perfection Sweater
Styling Tip: Striped sweaters pair well with solid-colored bottoms. Opt for classic blue jeans or a sleek pencil skirt to balance the bold pattern. Throw on a tailored blazer for a polished finish and complete the look with ankle boots or loafers for a sophisticated touch. 5. Classic Sweatshirt: No winter wardrobe is complete without the classic sweatshirt. Versatile and comfortable, it's a go-to piece for casual outings and cozy nights in.
Local Sweatshirt Styling Tip: Elevate your classic sweatshirt by layering it over a collared shirt or turtleneck. Combine it with tailored trousers or a pleated skirt for a smart-casual look. Finish off with sneakers or ankle boots to strike the perfect balance between comfort and style. This winter, embrace the chilly weather in style by incorporating these five essential sweater styles into your wardrobe. From the chunky warmth of oversized knits to the playful charm of striped patterns, each sweater brings its unique flair to your winter fashion repertoire. Experiment with different styling options to make these cozy pieces an integral part of your winter style journey. Stay warm and stylish all season long!
