Supermodel - WORK!

My girl had the opportunity to model in her first ever runway show last week. If you follow me on Twitter (I had to go private, so still request to follow me, but if you are a freak, or have an inappropriate avatar, I will deny you - SORRY) - anyway, as I was saying, if you follow me on Twitter, I pretty much did a play by play as my girl was strutting her stuff.

She was asked to model for a very dear friend of ours who is also an amazing designer. Bebe needed to show girls age 7-16 clothing and asked us if Princess would be willing to do it. OF course she would -- I was a wee bit nervous b/c my girl can cheer in front of a gazillion people, but could she walk and not fall (we're talking MY daughter here)??

She killed it.

I knew she had it in her, but I was a little nervous she was going to be nervous, trip, stumble, whatever ... something I WOULD do ... but alas, she did not and she did a FANTASTIC job!

Yes, I cried.

I'm IN LOVE with this scent

I was in Victoria's Secret not too long ago with a friend. I really don't ever go in there but I do love their makeup! I saw this bottle and decided to smell it - I NEVER do that. OH. MY. HEAVENS - it smelled SO good. I sprayed the body mist and then put on some of the lotion.

I kept smelling my hands all day long .... the scent lingered - which I like - AND smelled so yummy for fall! It's not overly sweet. I like to switch up my perfumes and normally have 2-3 that I use depending on what mood I'm in. Maybe Big Daddy will see this and get it for me for my birthday? It IS coming up!

What's your favorite fall scent?

I FALL for FALL jackets ....

We do not get much of a "fall" here in Florida - we do get some more balmy days, but typically, it doesn't ever get very cold. I decided I would cruise the internet for what's * hot * on the fall jacket scene and boy, oh boy, did it leave me wanting to hop on a plane and head to Chicago (ahem ... yes, I really do mean that... it's somewhere I've never been and really want to go).

Anyway, I hit up my old favorites, Gap and Banana Republic. Did y'all know Piperlime is now selling apparel? My heart skipped a beat when I saw this GORGEOUS military ruffle jacket by Free People - it's pretty reasonable too at $148.

Photo Credit: Piperlime

What about this yummy little number from JCrew? I love how versatile this piece is - and yes, I would wear it exactly as the model is wearing it - maybe throw on some nice pants for work!

Photo Credit: JCrew

Here's another one from Piperlime. This is a Tracy Reese jacket and I am seeing GRAY is totally in - which is great, because I love to wear gray. This jacket is pricey, but I also love how versatile it is and can be worn from day to night!

Photo Credit: Piperlime

Finally, White House Black Market always has a wonderful selection of 'sweater jackets' - perfect for us Florida Girls! I foresee this beauty in my closet - VERY soon. It SCREAMS my name! It is ultra girly with the ruffles and will be perfect, again, for day to night!

Photo Credit: White House Black Market

What's your favorite fall piece?

Deeper Still ~ Orlando

As promised, here is my post about my weekend in Orlando at Deeper Still. For those of you that don't know, Deeper Still was a conference where 3 bible teachers, Kay Arthur, Priscilla Shirer, and Beth Moore (MY FAVORITE!!) spoke about different things, thus teaching us to go "Deeper Still" with our faith, understanding, etc.

I was lucky enough to have my sister join me on this conference - as well as my best friend Amber. Our friend Dawn traveled with us and then we met up with Shawn, Danielle and Rebecca. We traveled out Friday late afternoon and got to Orlando around 4:30. We decided to change, freshen up and head down to the hotel for dinner before it started at 7:00. Needless to say, the hotel restaurant was not prepared for the onslaught of this many women, and we sat there for 45 minutes before we kindly put a little bit of money for our 1 Coke (Dr. Pepper really) and told one of the waitresses that we had to go .... we did get a free breakfast the next morning though (THANKS SHAWN)!

We walked over to the Arena and ate hot dogs and nachos instead --- it was good and just a teensy bit less expensive (NOT MUCH THOUGH)!

My sister and me, just before going into the Conference

Travis Cottrell lead worship once it started and this came on the screen. I lost it. Big Daddy and I are in such a weird time in our life - nothing, I'm sure that many of you are going through. Uncertainty, doubt, confusion ..... I seriously believe in divine appointment and believe I was to be at the conference THIS VERY WEEKEND to hear the messages that were taught.

Kay Arthur (I don't have ANY pictures) taught the entire book of Hebrews. This amazing woman is 75 yrs old and BROUGHT. IT. She did scare me a little, but REALLY, in the big scheme of things, what is there to be scared about? She taught us about Resting in Faith -- which is really really important to me and something I am doing as we speak.

2nd day - Jenn, Amber and me - sporting our bling'd out tees courtesy of Ice-It by Bebe Z

This is out of order, but before Beth spoke, this was a painting that was done on 4 panels of glass - Kay spoke about planting the seed - on the OTHER side of the glass, all the women that attended were given an opportunity to write on the glass. It was INCREDIBLE!


My favorite speaker was definitely Priscilla Shirer -- OHHH she is so REAL! I loved her and her message. She taught us about Ephesians 3:20-21 -- seriously spoke 1.5 hrs on just these 2 verses. She 'dumbed it down' as I like to say and I ingested it and have really been soaking in this message. She taught us that God can go BEYOND our BEYOND, all that we imagine and that sometimes God's answer is * no * and we have to be willing to understand that that is His answer, and he has a bigger plan for us - one that goes BEYOND our BEYOND and comprehension.

Beth, Travis and Priscilla on stage during worship - it was awesome!!

Beth Moore taught us about discerning the voice of God. Also, something I REALLY needed to hear. She gave us a list of things to look for - and most times - to follow our gut feeling. It was called "Divine Revelations in Human Encounters". She gave us 4 questions to ask ourselves:

1. Can I trust what I'm sensing? Am I a critical or suspicious person by nature?

2. Am I jealous? Do I feel threatened by this person?

3. Do I have anything selfish to gain for this outcome?

4. Are my emotions clouding my discernment?

If you answer "NO" to any of these questions, then go with your gut. But if you answer "YES", then you must re-examine the situation. THIS GOES FOR PEOPLE IN YOUR LIFE!! She really stuck on 2 Timothy 3:5 (yes, I am going to make you look it up).

This was the end when they were doing some straight shooting talk. It was funny and really showed us these ladies are * REAL * people just like us.

Hope you enjoyed the recap! We left shortly after and headed home, stopped at the outlets (no luck except for 2 long sleeve JCrew t's) and then got home and CRASHED!! It was such an overwhelming, spirit filled weekend - I loved it!!

Update coming sooooon!

I have so much to share with y'all from my weekend at the Deeper Still conference in Orlando.

Amazing ... and it spoke right to me.

But first, mama needs to catch up on the shenanigans of this house!

Promise to be back tonight with an update - plus lots and lots of other stuff!!

Have FIRST DAY OF FALL, my sweets - even though it's still 90 degrees HERE!

....with a grain of salt

So things have been quite hectic over here at Casa de Brock ~ changes left and right. Some good, some kinda making us raise an eyebrow.

It's all relative.

We are taking it in stride ~ and as the title of my post reads, with a grain of salt.

We are all healthy, employed and opportunities are around us, it's just what we choose to do with them. I have an issue that I'm dealing with right now - worry. It grips me more than anything. I have prayed for it to be released, I get 'renewed' and then I fall right back into the pit. Good thing I'm going to see Beth Moore this weekend, huh? {SO EXCITED, by the way}

SO, with that, if you too are gripped with worry and anxiety, here are some tips that I found that will help you:

First of all -- good 'ol scripture:

~ An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up {Proverbs 12:25} -- I find this to be true. A little note helps too - especially an unsuspecting gift card to Sonic also (thanks my sweet)

~ I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears {Psalm 34:4}

~ Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. {1 Peter 5:6-7}

~ ...the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words can not express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. {Romans 8:26-28}

AND some tips:

~ We generally need 8-9 hrs of sleep per day. Sleep deprivation can increase anxiety (REALLY?!?! I've been getting about 4-5 hrs a night .... this may be a problem).

~ Many people are worried and anxious about events that will actually never happen to them. Relax. Focus on today. Take life one day at a time. (THIS is a big one for me. I actually printed this on several pieces of paper and have it everywhere, along with scripture).

~ Listen to relaxing, soothing music. (This is a no-brainer for me).

~ If at all possible, do something you enjoy. It is good to get some recreation on a regular basis. Take a break. Get your mind off your fears and worries, and have some fun. (AMEN!)

~ Talk to someone. Don't hold all the anxiety inside. (I have a few girlfriends that probably cringe when they see my phone number coming up on their caller ID - but it's how I deal with things).

So that's what I've found and how I'm going to choose to deal with all these WONDERFUL changes. YES! They are wonderful. We know there is a greater purpose. Big Daddy is beyond thrilled and looking forward to our new opportunities!!

Have a wonderful Wednesday, my sweets!

Favorite Song Sunday

This is something I thought I'd try ~ we'll see if it sparks any interest.

I'm posting a video of one of my favorite songs -- this one happens to just get me 'going' in the morning -- or helps me get my 'clean on'.

Y'all know I'm a country girl -- yet I can so hang in the city {seriously}.

I love all types of music -- except the jiggy jiggy jiggy kind, you know, with hardcore cussing and stuff -- but deep down, country is still my all time fave.

Here's why .......

It's all about the packaging.....

I am a packaging 'ho -- wrap something up pretty in cellophane and ribbon and I'm done.

Trust me -- it's amazing what a $2.50 candle can look like all dolled up with ribbon.

I recently ordered some items from an online store called Queen Bee Sauce. They sell 100% salicylic acid (the stuff you use for your face) in a powder form that you mix with your cleanser. I want to try it because my skin is about to drive me crazy. I use VERY good products already, but I'm hoping this will be the extra 'hmph' that I need for 'perfect skin'.

Anyway - I ordered on Tuesday.

TODAY - in my mailbox was a bright purple pkg. I was so excited - b/c I knew it couldn't be a bill!

It was my stuff from Queen B! HOW CUTE!

This was the kicker - INSIDE the pkg, they had a little note thanking me for my purchase, some more information and then a BIT 'O HONEY! Seriously -- SOLD. I thought that was the CUTEST thing I have EVER seen!

Brilliant marketing - yet so so easy. Chad's BFF owns a company and he always puts candy in with his shipment - I tell ya what - it makes you go back!

This image will forever be etched in my mind. I remember exactly what I was doing the morning our towers were attacked. I was living in Nashville - only having been there just a few short months. I was listening to the radio and remember the dj saying that 'something' was wrong and an airplane had crashed into the World Trade Center. I immediately called Big Daddy and he turned on the television - he YELLED when the 2nd plane hit - watched it happen.

I went on to work and everyone was talking about what happened. It never, seriously, crossed my mind that this was a terrorist attack. I just didn't think like that. We watched tv in our office for the rest of the day, until our manager just decided to send everyone home. It was very stoic.

That weekend, Big Daddy had to leave for a show in Minnesota. I left and went to stay with his parents. I did not want to be by myself.

During the show - there was no wind. No real breeze.

Big Daddy started singing a song about the flag, called "Red, White & Blue" ~ as he started singing, the flag slowly started to wave. By the middle of the song, the flag was waving - he said like God taking his breath and making the flag wave. After the song ended, the flag slowly fell back to it's original position.

Do you have chills?

I wish I could post the song, but it was never released and I * think * I only have it on my iPod.

So today, I remember what I was doing, the feelings I felt - nothing compared to what those actually in NY felt. I can't even begin to imagine and quite frankly, I don't want to.

Thank you to all our servicemen and women that give their lives daily!

Happy Friday, my sweets! Have a great weekend!

Fall Dresses

Since I live in Florida, we really don't see super cold weather here. It MIGHT get a little below 60, but not until Feb/March and it doesn't last long. I do not own very many sweaters at all - but I have become a dress fiend. I LOVE THEM!!

While picking up some skinny jeans for Princess, I came across a couple dresses at Old Navy - YES, OLD NAVY - and thought I'd share them with y'all. I do not have a 'favorite' place to shop (except for my jeans). I pretty much just buy what I like. I do like transitional pieces though - ones I can wear all year long. My job is also business casual, so I can get away with more. I do dress nicely for business meetings and presentations - those clothes normally come from Banana Republic - another staple for me because it always just fits so well --- and y'all all KNOW what my favorite jeans are, right?

Here's one my twin sister turned me on to! How cute with the gray/white/black leopard print scarf I just got! I think this will be adorable with some ballet flats. It's a great jersey material, too - AND - it was a steal at just $15.00!!



This is another one I purchased. Lucky for me, I buy all the kids clothes at Old Navy - SO - after we did our back to school shopping, I got some coupons in the mail. I saved 20% AND had another $30 in gift certificates. This dress will be adorable paired with some chunky jewelry and flats. I got it in a dark purple - beautiful jewel tone color for fall. Again - this one was only $15 and it's a soft jersey material as well!

This dress is just 'me'. I LOVE. IT. I love it with the boots too! I didn't get this one, but it's definitely on my wish list! The winter white is just gorgeous!

This is another dress that screams "NATALIE" - it's so me! I didn't get this one either, but I think it's adorable. I'm not sure about the booties though. I have REALLY skinny legs and not sure I could pull it off.

I get emails DAILY about the next fall fashion find - dresses are definitely at the top of the list!

What's your favorite fall item??

Have a wonderful Wednesday, my sweets! Until tomorrow!

What works for me .....

I've really been trying hard to keep my house clean ~ all. the. time. While it is a daunting task, it's not one that I don't feel like I can't accomplish.

It just takes patience.

I have a friend that lead a bible study for me last summer. We all talked about cleaning our homes and how sometimes it's just a mundane chore.

BUT - if you add some music and then turn the focus to Jesus ... it certainly changes things.

IE: Shining your toilet for Jesus .... think about it. If you were to just CLEAN your toilet, well, that's boring. BUT - if you were to clean your toilet and say OUTLOUD "I'm shining for Jesus" - well, that just changes things, doesn't it??

I'm not trying to be funny - really. Everyone that knows me well, knows that I have struggled with keeping a clean house (all the time - I'm one of those people that USED to not let people in if my house was a mess -- not anymore -- well, because it's not a mess anymore). I'm not talking about those people you see on Clean House or anything - I'm talking about just mail everywhere, dishes in the sink, laundry that needs to be folded that stayed housed on our large recliner.

I have gotten so much better - because I changed my attitude about it! Knowing that I'm cleaning my house to show thankfulness and a grateful heart to Jesus makes it seem much less mundane.

I've met some super women on twitter - yes - a social networking site. These girls are great and we have decided to hold each other accountable with flylady.net. That is a great website to get you started on getting your home in order.

SO to start off this week - since yesterday was a holiday - I'll ask all my fabulous readers this question:

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE/BEST TIP IN CLEANING? Something you do that you can share with blogworld that will help others?

Mine? I always start and FINISH whatever load of laundry I got going. Meaning - it's folded AND put away. I used to fold, stack and then place in the bedroom -- now it's completely put away and done -- takes me MAYBE 10 seconds EXTRA to do this and boy, does it help in the long run!

Have a great Tuesday, my sweets!

Just call me Marjorie ....

Marjorie is my grandmother's name. She could sew anything. I'm talking ANYTHING. That gift, along with cooking, as been passed on to my mother and quite possibly my twin sister (minus the cooking part). I'll never forget the first time my husband got to 'experience' a true Southern "Steen" meal -- he literally looked at me and said "WHAT HAPPENED??" ...

I do not cook - HOWEVER - I am learning and TRYING {that's what counts, right?}

So fast forward to today -- remember forever ago when I decided to redo my master bedroom after we got back from our fabulous trip to Dominican Republic? One of my dear friends was recruited as 'design consultant' and we decided to go 'cream, green and serene' - meaning neutral walls, with accents in the fabric, wall decor, etc.

I searched high and low for bedding. I couldn't find ANYTHING. I called my Mom and asked her how hard it would be to make a duvet and she said it wouldn't be hard at all - gave me some tips and I decided I would make it. I chose this fabric, but not before I sent it to my 'consultant' to approve. She loved it and that's when we decided to also paint the master bathroom to lighten it up. It was on sale, so I ordered enough yardage to make the duvet plus 2 king shams.


I * FINALLY * decided today would be the day I was going to make it. I started around 2:00 and finished about 2.5 hrs later. I took my time because I get easily frustrated. NOW, let me tell you, it is NOT perfect - but - I reminded myself that it did not have to be perfect to be beautiful. My seams do not match up perfectly, but it's ok. They *somewhat* match and that's good enough for me. Honestly, if you are that close to my duvet IN MY BEDROOM, then I don't want you in my bedroom anyway ~ right?

So I'm finished for today! I will make the shams another day. I need to get some backing material for those and honestly, I'm so happy to be done with this, I don't know that I have the energy to start the shams - BUT - I will have them done before the weekend is over!

Happy Labor Day, my sweets! Be safe!

Wordless Wednesday