Friday Favs - Blogs

It's Friday! That means Friday Favs!

Today I've decided to share a few of my favorite blogs. I periodically read a bunch of blogs, but here are two that are never-miss-a-post worthy!

1. Iowa Girl Eats

     Kristin, a fellow Iowan, posts mostly recipes in her blog. She usually writes three times per week and features amazing pics of the dishes she creates! I've probably pinned half the recipes she's posted, but I've made a few of them too. Her directions are easy to follow and the dishes I've made turn out delicious. Kristin has a young son and has a page related to being a new parent. Recently, Kristin found out that she had celiac disease so her recipes since that discovery are gluten free. 

2. Living with a Boy

     This is the blog of one of my sorority sisters. I probably love it because it is her, but I think Gabby has a great blogging voice. Gabby's posts are about her life so the topics vary, but she frequently focuses on running, home projects, cooking, and travel. Gabby's posts are not always on the same days of the week, but I never miss one thanks to her Facebook page. I love it so check it out!

Bonus: This isn't really a blog but I recently signed up for theSkimm. It is a news site (I guess it does have a blog too) that sends an email each weekday morning with a quick summary of a few national news stories. It is a nice overview of what is going on in the world. I like to enjoy it with my coffee and breakfast.

February Stitch Fix!

*This is not a sponsored post. I pay for these clothes myself. However, this post does provide referral links for new sign ups which gives me a little credit to go towards my next box. 

Getting a Stitch Fix was an item on my 30 before 30 list. I got my first box a few months after I created my list. I loved the surprise of it all, but the items are a bit of a splurge for me so I've spread out my fixes since.  

What is Stitch Fix?

Stitch Fix is a personal stylist service that ships directly to your door! You sign up by creating a "Style Profile" where they ask everything from what styles of clothes you like to your budget to your sizing. You can even link to a Pinterest board to help show what you like. You choose the date you want to get a shipment. A Stitch Fix stylist chooses 5 items of clothing or accessories and they are sent to you on that date. You determine how often you'd like fixes and pay a $20 styling fee for each box which goes toward your purchase. That fee is lost if you don't purchase any items. You can choose to get fixes automatically every month, but I schedule them individually. I got two last year and I'll probably do the same this year. Lastly, if you purchase everything in your box, you get 25% the total purchase. A prepaid shipping envelope is included for any items you want to return. 

To tide me over in the 6ish months that I've been waiting between fixes, I've been into reading Stitch Fix Reviews. Here are a few that I follow regularly:
Lauren's Latest
Spoonful of Flavor
The Box Queen

Feb. 2015 Fix!

Check out the items in my most recent Fix! 
(Sorry about the spotty pics - the fault of a cute vintage mirror!)

#1: Kensie - Conrad Speckled Chevron Dress

I loved the style and print of this dress. My stylist must know I have a weak spot for black and white dresses. The cut was girly, but there was a touch of wild with the faux leather on the shoulders. At nearly $90 this one would be a huge splurge for me right now plus I'm not kidding when I say that I have enough black/black & white dresses to wear one each day of the week (with 4 leftover...). Also it was a bit big and I don't think it does anything for my figure. I'll be sending this one back.

#2: 41Hawthorn - Benson 3/4 Ruched Sleeve Blazer

Loved this blazer! The fabric is of great quality - it feels sturdy, but soft. I almost always roll/push up long sleeves so I was glad to see that these sleeves were a 3/4 length. The ruched detail was girly and added interest without being distracting (sorry, it was hard for me to get a picture of it). I've been wanting to expand my blazer collection and this one may be my next purchase. 

Today's task will be to try it on with other items in my wardrobe to see how it fits in! This may be the item I keep...

#3: 41Hawthorn - Beatrice Exposed Zipper Dolman Top

This is a great basic top! It's flattering and easy to wear. I've imagined it being dressed up or down. The back zipper is a cute and sassy detail. 

At first sight, I thought I'd definitely be keeping it, but I'm less sure now. I think I could easily find something similar at a better price and I'm not sold on the polyester feel of the fabric. 

#4: Rune - Evelin Printed Pencil Skirt

My first thought upon pulling this out of the box was "There is no way this will fit me". I was partially right. I LOVE the print of this skirt, but its tight fit just isn't me. (Tight is for yoga pants and yoga pants alone) I loved it with the 41Hawthorn top, but I don't think I would wear the skirt much. 

#5: Octavia - Mondo Colorblock Cross Stitch Infinity Scarf
Such a cute scarf! Super cozy and I love the two types of stitching. However, I'm trying to think spring and my scarf collection is a bit obnoxious already.

Help! What do you think I should keep? 

Verdit: I kept the 41Hawthorn - Benson 3/4 Ruched Sleeve Blazer and I'm very happy with my choice! Overall, I enjoy the Stitch Fix experience including trying pieces I wouldn't pick up off the rack while shopping. I'll probably sign up for another box in the future. 

Are you interested in getting a Stitch Fix yourself? Check it out here! 

Saving Encouragement

I feel like I can't browse on Pinterest without seeing a quote about encouragement. There are boards upon boards entitled "Encouragement" containing what I can only assume to be words that that pinner finds encouraging. I decided to take this idea and make it my own. 

While general quotes can be empowering, I think words meant for you can be even more powerful. So, I've started a "Words of Encouragement" File. At first it was going to be this cute physical file folder filled with nice words from others, but it in an effort to conserve paper, I've kept it digital. This also makes it easier to store and add to. 

What's in this file? 

Emails with kind words. 
Screenshots of uplifting texts. 
Word documents summarizing verbal encouragement. 
Images of powerful quotes. 

What do I do with it? 

Open the files and read. 

See the list of documents and instantly feel better. 

Notice the names of great people in my life.

Know a place of encouragement is just a few clicks away.

What brings you encouragement? How do you preserve encouragement?