Stitch Fix #10

It’s hard to believe that this is my tenth Stitch Fix since Fall of 2015. I have my fixes arrive every other month. Ten boxes in and I still get excited when the mail man drops off my box.

One thing I love about Stitch Fix is that I get the opportunity to communicate with my stylist prior to my fix being sent out. I can communicate with her either directly through my Stitch Fix account or through my style board on Pinterest.

This time around she sensed my desire for sweaters and scarves as I had spent some time scouring Pinterest for new sweater styles. I must say my stylist nailed it this time! Every piece was adorable. Luckily, some of my family members had purchased Stitch Fix gift cards for me so I could manage to splurge a bit this time around.

Here is a look at my pieces:

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1. Brookline Mix Material Sweater (Market and Spruce)

The color, the fit, and the style of this sweater made it an instant “YES!” for purchase. I love the plum color and the satin under layer in the back. This sweater will go well with several accessories I already own like the blanket scarf in the background. I love this sweater and am sure that it will be a new staple in my winter wardrobe.

2. Jessika Cowl Neck Poncho (RD Style)

I’ve been hoping for an over-sized, cowl neck since my last fix. I love the length and color of this top and I know it will pair well with so many things. I like it as is, but can also see myself adding a long sleeve shirt underneath for extra warmth. It is very comfortable and seems well put together. I’ve scored another new favorite for the season.

 

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3. Trissen Ribbed Knit Top (En Creme)

As cute as this top was I decided to return it. It’s a piece I could see myself wearing, but with financial limitations I had to say no. I always have a number in mind before I open a box and I try not to spend over that limit. Having said “yes” to sweaters means that I reached that limit a little sooner than if I had passed on one or both of them. So although I really liked the color and fit of this top I forced myself to pass.

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4. Alpine Plaid Wrap Scarf (Look by M)

This scarf went perfectly with the knit top. The color schemes were similar and the fabrics were perfect compliments. The reason I returned this scarf, however, is because over Christmas I got a brand new blanket scarf in similar colors (navy and orange-Look). As a perk for being a Stitch Fix Influencer I received a blanket scarf from the company. It was an unexpected Christmas present that I have already gotten a lot of wear out of.

5. Joel Popover Knit Dress (Hailey 23)

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This layered dress is actually one-piece. It was unique and comfortable, but sacrifices have to be made sometimes. If I already owned a pair of navy leggings I may have been able to justify this purchase, but in order to make it work in a winter wardrobe it would require leggings.

Being a part of the Stitch Fix Influencer program has been such a positive experience. I have met so many new people and had the opportunity to answer questions and point people toward a company that I have loved myself.

If you are interested in giving Stitch Fix a try please let me know. I will personally help you get set up and started or you can use my affiliate link to set up an account. Stitch Fix offers its customers a personal stylist who sends five pieces per fix to your home. The cost of a box is applied toward any pieces you purchase and there are discounts applicable if you choose to buy all five pieces in your box.

I would love to help you get set up and answer any questions.

Thanks for stopping by and for letting me introduce you to an awesome company.

The Ameri Brit Mom

The Art and Craft of Writing Christian Fiction (Week 1)

At some point over the last six months the idea of revamping my original novel to fit under the umbrella of Christian Fiction occurred to me. It is a novel steeped in personal lessons and it traces the rebuilding of a broken relationship. For so long I struggled with what my novel was missing in its ending. And one day while praying about the project it dawned on me. My story lacked Jesus.

It’s hard to tell the story of forgiveness and compassion without undertones of Jesus’ saving grace. I’ve been at it for years, but the resolution never sat well with me. It seemed unfinished and in need of some divine intervention (literally.)

I voiced this idea to my husband. The only problem: my experience is really only with literary/young adult fiction. I have no idea how to write a Christian Fiction novel.

I should have guessed it, but I was absolutely surprised to find the book The Art and Craft of Writing Christian Fiction by Jeff Gerke under the Christmas tree. My husband is a huge supporter of my writing and wanted to provide me the tools to finish this book according to the calling I had heard. Last year I read The Irresistible Novel by Jeff Gerke, which was a fantastic book that really helped me shape my voice as an author. I had a chance to speak with Gerke via email and to give away a copy of that book on my blog.

I’m so excited to make a shift in my Saturday morning series to this new book. Over the next twenty seven(ish) weeks I will be taking a look at Christian Fiction and how to glorify God in my novel. As I usually do on Saturday mornings, I will read two chapters a week and highlight major ideas or lessons from those chapters as they apply to me.

Let’s jump right in to the first two chapters-

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An (Accepting) Audience of One

Right from the start, Gerke addresses motivation. He cuts straight to the point of what motivates us to write. Do we write for attention? For approval? For our glory?

Or do we sit down and pen a story in order to glorify God?

If your purpose in writing is anything other than to give God glory then you are writing for the wrong reasons. As a Christian writer, you already have the attention and approval of God. There is no need to chase that from readers.

Be sure that when you sit down to write you remember that the story is God’s and your motivation is to bring Him the glory.

Examine Your Desire to Be Published

“Contentment is found only in Jesus Christ-whether you ever get published or not.” (Gerke 14)

The enemy to a full, delighted Christian experience is discontentment. If you find yourself feeling like the only thing that will make you happy or whole is to be a published writer then you have traded the contentment that God has given you.

If you are looking for anything other than God to make you feel like you “have it all” then there is greed that needs to be dealt with.

With God as a our writing mentor there is no need to want for anything else. Yes, it is a great goal to be published, but to wrestle with discontentment in the absence of a publishing contract is counter to God’s will for our lives. Making publishing the object of our happiness is not what God intends for us.

We write to please God and to give Him glory.

This is a lesson I need to learn. I’ve been sitting on several stories and novels-in-progress. In the past, I’ve let fear and a need to please be the drive behind my stories. I worked hard because I wanted people to think I was worth something. “Surely, if I could get a book published with my name on it then I will be happy,” was a lie I told myself. It wasn’t until I heard the subtle call to write my story for God’s glory that I started to see the endings come together and the discontentment dissolve.

What is your motivation in writing? Are you content with or without publishing contracts and agents?

The Ameri Brit Mom

Five Minute Friday: Connect

This week the topic for the Five Minute Friday link-up post is Connect. What is a link-up? Essentially a link-up is when you join other bloggers and write on a similar topic. You share your blog posts with one another and begin conversations via a host site. You can head over to Kate Motaung’s page to check out other entries from inspired bloggers. Here’s my five minutes of uninterrupted, unedited writing on this week’s topic:

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As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning.  When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword. (Exodus 17:11-13)

Connection is a natural craving. It’s something we seek after. To know that we are not alone in this world and that someone else cares for us drives our need to connect. We want to know that someone understands. That in this world filled with billions of people there are some who count us important is our longing.

When we go through rough trials we count on those connections.

We need people who care and who understand.

We need people to rally behind us when our strength is depleted.

Like Moses who stood on the top of the mountain with hands raised during the battle, we need friends like Aaron and Hur who will come beside us and give us the power to keep pursuing victory.

  1. What connections in your life have you formed lately?
  2. Evaluate the health of those connections. Is there someone that you need to make time to speak with or visit?
  3. How have connections with others given you strength in a tough time?

The Ameri Brit Mom

 

Indianapolis Review

My gift to my husband this Christmas was a trip to Indianapolis to watch the Indiana Pacers take on the Chicago Bulls. We only spent about 24 hours in the city, but we packed those hours with so many memories.

Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame

Over the summer we went to Chicago and drove through Indianapolis. I remembered from that drive that my husband mentioned the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame, but we didn’t have time to make that stop then.

On our way to Indianapolis this weekend around we made sure to leave with plenty of time for that trip. We got off the highway about thirty minutes before hitting Indianapolis and spent an hour at the Hall of Fame. It was neat to see the history behind basketball in the Hoosier state. There was a video about high school basketball in Indiana, rooms of memorabilia, and a Hall of Fame for some of the most talented basketball players of all time.

Our Hotel

Indianapolis was absolutely beautiful. The city was clean and not so big that travel was a hassle. Actually, our travel once checked into our hotel (Hyatt Regency Indianapolis) was minimal. It was very cold and windy, but we didn’t have to spend much time outside. Our hotel was connected by a covered walkway to the Circle Center Mall. The Circle Center Mall led out to the entrance of Bankers Life Field House, where the Pacers games are held.

Parking at the hotel was a little expensive ($35 a day), but it was worth it because we didn’t have to attempt to drive in pre and post game traffic.

Our hotel was extremely nice and accommodating. Ari’s favorite part of the hotel was the swimming pool, of course.

 

Pacers vs. Bulls

The purpose behind our little getaway was so that my husband could watch a live NBA game. As much as he loves basketball he hasn’t been to many NBA games. His favorite team is Cleveland, but I wanted to give him a chance to visit another town. Chicago is his second favorite team and since they were playing in Indianapolis over Christmas break I thought it would be a perfect present. Little did I know that before the game Chicago and Indianapolis would be tied in the league rankings. It was a huge game. Fans turned out to cheer on both teams. Although the Pacers ended up winning my husband still enjoyed himself and the experience to be in the gym where some of basketball’s finest were playing.

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Indianapolis Children’s Museum

On every trip that we take we look for fun things for Ari to do. It gives her incentive to behave herself throughout the travel, and also gives her a chance to blow off some steam and have fun.

Leading up to the trip I did my research and found that the #1 place in Indianapolis for families was the Indianapolis Children’s Museum. Once I saw that they had a Doc McStuffins exhibit I committed the extra trip to our itinerary. Also, we decided to visit on New Years Eve. There was a party in the lobby with live music and a countdown to noon. Every child received a party hat and we spent most of the day walking through the exhibits and having fun as a whole family.

We’ve been to Children’s Museums in Columbus, Chicago, New York, and England, and while we’ve never been disappointed this was the best one we have visited.

The exhibits that we enjoyed were Doc McStuffins, Indy500, Welcome to China, and Christmas Land. Additionally, there was an exhibit for older children that we walked through about Ruby Bridges and Anne Frank and the difference that children have made on our world. It was phenomenal.

 

Hoosiers Gym

After a long day at the museum we packed up our car and headed home. We made one pit stop in Knightstown, Indiana, at the Hoosiers Gym. This particular gym is based off of the one from the famous basketball movie. Ari was asleep and I didn’t want to wake her so my husband popped in quick enough to get some pictures of himself doing tricks on the court and then we headed home.

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This trip was a great time to recharge as a family. I recommend giving gifts like this. Getting a chance to make memories and celebrate life as a family is well worth the monetary costs involved.

The Ameri Brit Mom

Happy New Year 2017

Today is day 1 of a brand new year. It’s a time to reflect on the past year and to set your sights on goals for the upcoming one. Recently, I’ve taken on a new addiction–bullet journaling. If you have a few hours to waste on Pinterest take a look at my bullet journal board. I’ve been pinning ideas and creating spreads in my Moleskine for about a week now.

In the final hours of 2016 I decided to review the past twelve months on a page of my bullet journal.

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And now that 2017 has officially started I’ve also written out my New Years Resolutions.

  1. Write 300 words per day
  2. Read 26 books of my own choosing
  3. Commit to Gluten-free/Paleo diet
  4. Institute a Family Game Night weekly
  5. Keep a Bullet Journal

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I hope your year is off to a great start and that you have written some goals to motivate you in 2017!

Happy New Year!

The Ameri Brit Mom

Giving, Publication, and The Last Class

If I could sit in a classroom with Anne Lamott at the board it may take a bit of bribery to coerce me into ever leaving that room. As I finished reading Bird by Bird today I was overwhelmed with sadness. I’m sad to have reached the end of her lessons. I’m sad to be through with her instruction. Instead of sitting here writing about what I’ve learned I feel like unwrapping my old cap and gown and playing a little pomp and circumstance.

Having finished this book hasn’t quite earned me the distinction of a master’s degree, but the amount of information I’ve unpacked from this short book is beyond equivalency to most graduate writing courses.

Anne Lamott is a professional in every sense of the word. Her work is profoundly honest and insightful. So much of what I read in this book will continue to resonate with me for as long as I continue to write. If she wasn’t so attached to her privacy I would send her a letter to inform her of how much this book helped to shape me as a writer on my journey to finding my unique writing voice.

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Giving

The first lesson from today’s reading was about what it really means to be a writer. Writing isn’t about gaining for yourself. To write under the notion that it will solve all of your problems is naive. We write to give. We write to bring peace. We write to put into language what so many people feel, but struggle to express. Writing is about giving to others. Our work is a gift to the broader community around us. It is a gift given first to us. But our gift is also one to be shared with others.

Publication

As an unpublished author I oftentimes fall into the trap of believing that publication is the end goal. If one day I could hold a paper stack bound with a cute cover bearing my name as the author then surely all of my dreams will be realized and I will feel complete. Wrong.

Publication comes with its own sets of trials. To be published is to jump through the endless hoops thrown from agents, editors and publishers. The road to publishing is paved with self doubt and rejection. It’s a daunting road that climaxes on a release date that tends to come and go like any other day (or so I hear.)

In this chapter I was forced to refocus myself. To publish my work would be cool, but if that is my true dream I will be left unsatisfied.

The Last Class

Lamott closed this book with the many lessons she hopes her readers take away from her experiences. For me, I really connected with this quote, “devotion and commitment will be [our] own reward, that in dedication to [our] craft [we] will find solace and direction and wisdom and truth and pride.” (Lamott 232)

Above anything else I will take away that writing is about the process. It’s about sitting down and putting words on a page. Day by day and bird by bird.

**If you are interested in receiving a free ARC copy of Bird by Bird directly from The Ameri Brit Mom please fill out this survey. One person who submits to the poll by Saturday January 7, 2017 will receive Bird by Bird in the mail. 

The Ameri Brit Mom

Fear Fighting Review

Title: Fear Fighting

Author: Kelly Balarie

Publisher: Baker Publishing Group

Copyright Date: 2017

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When my copy of this cute book arrived a few weeks ago I was excited to dive into it. I signed up to be a part of the launch team after perusing the topic and realizing that this book was written for someone like me. Someone living in fear. Someone suffering with anxiety. Someone with a past. Someone in need of a fresh reminder of God’s heart and the fear less life that it promises.

Within the first couple of pages I was already facing my giants. I was called to outline my greatest hopes and dreams and then to trace the reasons I’m afraid to make progress in those areas. I realized that it isn’t God or someone else keeping me from the things I want most in life. I’ve become my own obstacle standing between where I am and where I want to be. Throughout the rest of this book I would learn how to get out of my own way. I had confined myself to a little safety box where my comfort level was high and the risk assessment low.

Before long Kelly began to reveal biblical examples of women taking charge of their fear. One that stood out to me was Deborah. Through the story of Deborah, the judge, I was inspired to be a fiery, confident woman who speaks victory with confidence over fear.

I learned the difference between good fear and bad fear. According to scripture, (Proverbs 1:7; Proverbs 8:13; Proverbs 14:27; Luke 1:50; Deuteronomy 10:12) fear of the Lord is a calling for all that follow Him. Fearing God is obedience, but fearing things of this world is an act of disobedience. It is placing whatever causes fear above God and tells Him that you do not trust His will for you. Fearing God keeps our focus on Him and not on ourselves.

I could go on and on about the way this book helped me to rethink my fears. Many of the chapters spoke to specific fears that many women deal with such as the past, rejection, opposition, waiting, comparison, competition, and worry. One statement that helped me to let go of fear was that, “our past victories lead us into future ministries.” It’s no surprise to anyone who truly knows me that I have had some knock out battles with fear. I’ve gone through periods in my life when fear took God’s spot on the throne of my life and was the filter for many of the decisions I made during that time.

It wasn’t until I started writing that I began to see God regain control of my heart.

Writing has been an obedience to Him and has been my way of showing Him that I’m not afraid of what other people think or say about me any more. Being a writer can be scary. Submitting words into the universe for others to read and critique can leave you feeling naked and judged. But through my writing God has been faithful to me and reminded me that He is in control. Writing has required obedience and faith. Once I was a closet writer filling notebooks that I was afraid others may one day read, and today because of models like Kelly Balarie I am part of a couple of critique groups and am working toward a book deal myself.

I am so grateful for the opportunity to join Kelly’s launch team.

I’ve been surrounded by wonderful writers and bloggers who have built a community of encouragement. Conquering fear isn’t something that we ever do once and for all. I am faced with fear every morning when I wake up, but it is because of the truth of God’s promises that I am able to stand up, push fear aside, and pick up my cross.

If you are interested in joining an army of Fear fighters pick up a copy of Fear Fighting, a few ladies to hold you accountable, and dive in. You will never see fear through the same lens again.

The Ameri Brit Mom

 

My Christmas Recap

This Christmas was such a blessing. I spent several days in celebrations with friends and family whose company I cherish. Watching my daughter as she grasped the true meaning of Christmas this year was priceless. She sang songs about Jesus’ birth and relayed the story of the wise men bringing gifts to Jesus over and over again. Over the past week our family received so many gifts and items that we were so excited about, but above all we were thankful for the gift of Jesus and what that gift has meant for our family.

Later this week we will be heading on a short vacation to Indianapolis where we will be watching the Pacers vs. Bulls NBA game. (A gift from me to my husband.) It’s been a while since we have gone on a trip so even though it isn’t a long one it is much anticipated to get away and make some memories in a new setting.

My daughter received an abundance of gifts. With clothes, multiple pairs of pajamas, Barbies, a bike, art supplies, and quite a few games she is well set for another year.

I am beyond grateful for the gifts I received. My husband purchased some jewelry and a new outfit for me. My big gift from him, however, was two-fold. He sent the first ten pages of my manuscript to author, Mindy McGinnis, who provided critiques and comments. He also heeded her advice and purchased me a year’s membership into SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators). This is a national organization which also has a local chapter in Columbus which I will now be able to attend once a month. I’m nervous, but so thankful for the opportunity to network with real authors and illustrators.

I was also blessed with an abundance of other gifts:

It’s easy to focus on the material on Christmas, but this year I really tried to set my eyes on the true meaning of this Holiday. Jesus is the purpose and the reason that we are able to love and appreciate others. With His life he showed us how to treat others and how to accept love. I am so glad to have people to share my love with and to give to them is an expression of Jesus’ love in me.

I hope you all had a Merry Christmas.

 

The Ameri Brit Mom

Dressing and Educating: Days 84-86

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Day 84: December 19, 2016

I hit the home stretch toward Christmas break today. In English, we reviewed for our big test with a friendly game of Review Basketball. We recently finished the seventh chapter of Not a Drop to Drink by Mindy McGinnis and so their test prior to Christmas Vacation is over the first seven chapters of the novel.

In Honors World History, my students performed their Epic Rap Battles between Karl Marx and Adam Smith. This was my first time conducting this project and my students really exceeded my expectations. I was so pleased with their finished products and enjoyed getting to see them rap live, listen to their pre-recorded videos, or present their slideshows about each philosopher.

I wore my brand new Perfect T and leggings from Lula Roe with a black cardigan, a scarf, and boots.

 

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Day 85: December 20, 2016

A few years ago we used to hold semester exams the last three days before Christmas break. Because of state testing and other requirements my district decided not to add to the already weighty test schedule with semester exams. I go back and forth on how I feel about taking exams off of the table, but one thing I know I miss is the order it created for the last three days. With an exam-adjusted schedule school was all-business those last days before break. I miss that.

Today my students were buzzing with talk about Christmas and many of them handed out gifts to friends in the hall way. It was a loud day and particularly challenging in my English classes as my students took their test over the first seven chapters of Not a Drop to Drink. I was not pleased with their scores on the test which has me worried that many of them have turned off their “school brain” a little early.

Today I wore red jeggings, a white tshirt, and a blue flannel from Primark in England.

 

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Day 86: December 21, 2016

Finally, the last day before break.

Students in Honors World History took their unit test today over the Industrial Revolution. It was a tidy end to the semester as we can begin a brand new unit after Christmas break. We will be moving on to the Age of Imperialism and barreling toward the first world war.

In English, since students took their test yesterday I decided to make today a reading day. Students were given a set of terms and ideas relating to irony. They defined the words and then we read “The Gift of the Magi” together. It’s a classic story that always leads into some interesting discussion.

Today I wore jeans and a pink sweater from Delias.

I’m so glad to be entering my Christmas break. By the time you read this I will already be in the midst of the most wonderful time of the year cherishing memories with those I love along the way. I hope you are all enjoying this same time during the Holidays season.

 

The Ameri Brit Mom