Moving on.

I've spent the last two weeks trying to find exactly what I want to say in this post.  But rather than torture myself any longer I'm just sitting down and knocking it out.

While there are many sides to my decision to stop writing here it can really be summed up as this- I've outgrown this space.

Forever 29 was a great notion when I actually was 29.  Staring down 31 in a few months I shake my head a little bit at that silly girl.  I have learned so many things.  To think of being that naive forever scares me. 

Blogging in the mainstream blogging world just isn't for me anymore.  It preys on some of my biggest insecurities.  It has become a whole different animal than what I really long for when I write.

So I am moving on.  And rather than crawling back a few weeks or months from now I've already set up a new home for myself on the internet.  You will find my heart there.

https://amyevolving.wordpress.com/
Instagram: amyevolving
Twitter: @amyevolving

I can't leave without saying a truly heartfelt "thank you" those of you that have encouraged me along the way.  Friends that became readers.  Readers that became friends.  You helped me brainstorm, let me vent and supported me in ways that I won't forget.

 

What to Wear Where- A New Year, A New Start

I love January 1st.

I know it is just a day, but I always enjoy the the implied new start.

2013 is going to be a year of simplicity for me.  Cutting out the excess.  Working with what I have.  And knowing that what I have is more than enough.

You might be thinking "who is this girl and what did she do with Amy?" But I've gained a lot of perspective recently and it's time for me to make some changes.

So this year there will be more glasses days.  More wearing things again and again, like this sequin tank that I purchased in a definite "what to wear?!?" moment.  Less buying something new for every occasion.

As for What to Wear Where the future is uncertain.  My time writing at Forever 29 will be ending soon and I hope to update y'all on that as soon as I can get my thoughts together.

It's been a great ride.  I'm choosing a new path and wish you all the best in 2013 as you walk, skip, hop and run along yours!

Merry Christmas and What to Wear Where Update

Were you wondering how those family pictures turned out?  This is the best one and I love it!  As for the rest?  Well, they showed how crazy life can be with two little boys.  I'm glad I changed up the boys outfits to include a bit of red.

I'm not sure if I will post again before 1/1/13, so please join me that day and link up for What to Wear Where- Outfits for a fresh start.  I plan to post some of my wardrobe plans for the year and an outfit that always works for me.

I hope you all have a very happy Christmas celebrating with family and friends!

 

What to Wear Where- Christmas Eve

Don't let me scare you, but there is only one week until Christmas!

We have been enjoying our many Christmas traditions over the past month-putting up decorations, driving around to look at Christmas lights, watching movies and the daily hunt to find "elf."

And though our church is small by current standards, we enjoy many Christmas traditions together- a cookie swap, craft night for the kids, Advent devotionals written by members, Christmas music worship and finally a Christmas Eve service.

Christmas Eve by forever29blog featuring old navy

Old Navy / Chinese Laundry high heel shoes / Shine shoes / Xhilaration® Junior's Pajama Set - White

Nate is already beginning to grasp the true meaning of Christmas and attending church on Christmas Eve is one way we can reinforce why our family celebrates Christmas.

And after the service we will come home and change into our new Christmas pajamas!  The boys will hopefully go to bed easily and mommy & daddy elf will get to work!

I hope you will link up your Christmas Eve outfit (even if it is pajamas!) and share one of your family's holiday traditions. 

I wish you all a very happy Christmas and W2WW will be back on 1/1/13!  Bring your outfits for a fresh start and a new year!




 

When You Can't Fix It

In the wake of the Newtown tragedy and similar scenarios that have no clear cut solution I often feel frustrated. The frustration of having to acknowledge that such evil resides in this world is overwhelming, but ultimately the most frustrating fact is that what's done is done.  Too many lives lost and innocence stolen from so many more.

And so what can I do?  There's nothing I can donate; nothing that can rebuild that community.  

I recently read that there is one thing that individuals affected by any type of tragedy say others can do to help them.   

You can be grateful for what you have.

I can be grateful for what I have.

I can be grateful that my children are safe and healthy.
I can be grateful that I have a home and a car and countless things that I don't even need.
I can be grateful that I have wonderful relationships.
I can be grateful for each new day.

I had already purchased this journal for me

and one of these planners for each of the boys

Prior to Friday's events I had already made it a goal for next year to start journaling.  To daily list things I am grateful for and to jot down notes to the boys in their own books.  Notes about adorable things they did and fun times we had together.  And because I'm honest I'm sure a few frustrating mom moments will find their way in there too.

I pray that these books will be for them when I am gone, but I realize far too often it is the other way around.