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Thursday, September 26, 2013

Currently

It has been awhile since I did a currently post, but figured there is no time like the present. What better way to catch up with my blog life than to share a jumble of things going on right now. 

Currently...
#smithsdotugaloo2013
...skipping yoga and having a beer on the back porch while writing this. Sometimes it's nice to take a little break and forgetting workout clothes at home this morning made just that exact thing happen. 
...getting used to my brand new haircut, let's just say sometimes you just need to trim off a few inches (or six). Outfit/style post coming soon. 
...loving Spotify, and Garth Brooks has been on repeat today. Not sure why but its been nice to hear some older country. Speaking of, country music is extremely disappointing. I might get quite a few unfollowers for this one, but Taylor Swift has got to go. Along with all the other poppie wannabes. I liked country when country wasn't cool. What happened?
...thanking God for unanswered prayers (thanks Garth). Let's just say it's amazing the moments you go through in life and think that this is it. The good Lord has much bigger and better plans for you, and I am so thankful to have been blessed in those moments. 
...excited for a date night with A. Moments with him seem to be getting better and better. I just am so thankful to call him mine. 
... looking forward to a weekend staying put. Don't get me wrong, I am a goer. But this weekend I am exciting about staying right here. Enjoying the beautiful weather and having a few drinks on the porch while cheering on the Dawgs. 
... missing my sweet family. Pretty fall days make me miss them so much. I know afternoons like this would be spent working, laughing, and just enjoying each other. Growing up is hard.

So there is a little currently for you... I am gonna go enjoy my beer. Blessed to be able to share with you all. ooo, Montana

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

fall is upon us.

via

Don't you just love the way that sounds? Life starts over? I will be honest, fall isn't my favorite season, sure I love the cooler weather, but that only means that winter is coming and winter is not my favorite at all. I like to be warm, always. But I have decided to embrace the fall weather heading our way and this quote just says it all. A new season this year, a new season in life. 
Last night I realized that I was lacking the sense of adventure this year, that I might have had in years past. I have had a pretty great year don't get me wrong, but I want to do something that scares me. I want to inspire others and inspire myself to be better each day. I used to keep a "bucket list" of the things I wanted to do, and maybe that was what pushed me, but in the everyday hustle and bustle I have found it harder and harder to be led towards my dreams. I have decided to post that list here. Maybe going back to it will help me find my passion in life. I think it is so easy to get into the mind set that this is it. I don't ever want that mindset, I want to be pushed in life, I want to figure out my dreams and follow them, I want to inspire others to follow theirs.
 Own my own actual shop/business.
 Go Skydiving
 Go on a trip with my grandparents
Ride a bull
volunteer at a food bank during the holidays
Teach someone something I am good at
Dance in the rain with someone I love
Go to a Braves game
Live in a big city
Live at the beach
Buy a moped/vespa
Pay off my student debt early
Take a sister trip
Schedule one weekend a year with my girlfriends and keep it for at least 10 years straight.
Go to all 3 races of the Triple Crown
Cook an entire meal with things grown in my own garden.
Find a job that I love
Go to the airport and buy a ticket to the first place I think of
Travel somewhere by train
Live in a tiny town
Ride horses in Montana
Take a trip out West
Own a home
Own a horse and show again
go to California
be on television
go to GA/FL Football game
read the entire Bible
go on a cruise

This list is by no means complete, but ever-changing, ever evolving. As for right now, I am about to get my day started. Blessed to hear the rain on the roof as I type this. Blessed to be in this spacing sharing my thoughts with you all. ooo, Montana

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

I want to...

I want to create, I want to inspire, I want to live.
I want to be me, figure me out while being the best possible person I can.

It seems to be that my best words come at the weirdest times, last night when in the shower, I thought of the above. I just want to be me, to figure out my passions one day at a time. To understand where my heart lies and which direction the Lord is pointing me in. I want to live each day to its fullest, to make myself more aware of the pain and suffering around me and to do my best to bring a little joy to those that are going through those trials. My heart has been in a funny place lately, one where it seems content and happy with certain areas of my life, but lacks fulfillment in others. I have made it my goal to give more, smile more, and love more. To know that others out there have the same issues
I do, and that I have got it pretty darn good. I am blessed beyond measure. I know that. 
ooo, Montana

Friday, August 23, 2013

Moving out and Moving on

I wrote this post right before I moved out but had yet to share. It was in my drafts and just waiting to be published. I have since moved, but wanted to include my feelings during this time so that I may look back and remember. 

So here it goes, another adventure in this little life of mine. I am currently in the middle of packing up my little house and moving about 7 miles down the road. Yeah, yeah, yeah. I know it isn't that far. But the memories of this little home I have created began flooding back the past couple of nights. Sometimes I find it so crazy just to think I have only been here two and a half years, yet others it is hard to believe I have been here this long. It seems like just yesterday I was leaving home, starting a completely different life for myself, becoming a grown-up, leaving behind a town full of memories and people that helped make me who I am today. It is the times when you are packing up that all the memories come pushing back into your brain. The ones of home and college, of growing and learning, of decision-making and decision-breaking. I went through some heartaches in this little home, right by myself. I did what I wanted here, I danced around in my underwear singing in a hairbrush, I have cried, I have been sick, heartbroken, crying, laughing, downing a bottle of wine just because, celebrated friend's marriages, gotten through bad relationships, and started the best one of all. All right here in this little home

july 2013
This home taught me so much, I learned about myself here more than anywhere I have lived so far and I was blessed to call this my home. Once again I am blessed to be here in this space and sharing my words with you. ooo, Montana

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

to create is to live

peach recipes to follow

After a weekend full of fun and sun, I came home to a box full of peaches. Peaches, I had bought last week for such a great deal and just couldn't pass up. As I stood in the kitchen, carefully peeling each one, slicing them into pieces and putting them into the freezer or to make jam, this thought ran across my mind. I like to create. I like to make things, from peach preserves to sewing a pillow, creating is where my heart lies most days. But in one way or another, don't we all just want to create? Create a better life for those that we have around us, create more things that bring us or our friends/family joy. Create this little space on the internet that we can call ours. Creativity is much more than being artsy or making something with your hands, its making anything that you can call your own. I want to create a better life for myself, one that is full of the things and people I enjoy, and I want to help those around me be there best creative selves. I am striving each day to make creative choices, ones that might seem different to those on the outside but are just right for me. I am hoping that the creativity in me inspires someone, either in my everyday life or here on the internet. Peaches... who knew they could spark such a thought? 

This is the second of my early morning posts, and I am starting to get the hang of it. So blessed to wake up each day to pour my heart out onto these pages. ooo, Montana

Friday, August 16, 2013

A New Morning

This marks the first of my morning blogging so bare with me. It's early and I am trying to get into a new habit of getting the thoughts from my head onto this screen a little earlier. 

All mornings are a fresh start, a whole new day to take on another dream or goal. In a lot of ways I feel like mornings are God's way of giving us a do-over. A brand new day that we can better serve him, be a better example to others, or just treat ourselves and those around us with the utmost respect. I like mornings, I always have. Lots of the mornings of my childhood were spent up with the animals, feeding the horses in their stalls, getting ready for a show on a weekend. Those moments before a crack of light came into the sky were special to me. A typical morning before a horse show included so many things, from ironing our show shirts, to giving those horses one last grooming before we put them in the trailer, the mornings were when it happened. There are many of those times that stick out more than the rest, but one of my favorites is still embeded in my memory.

a late night hike recently

It was a cool morning, early fall probably, and the day before had been spent in Perry, Georgia. After one show we immediately headed to another in South Carolina. I was tired, he was tired but he made it a point to let me have a good time as soon as we got to the hotel. We jumped on the beds. Literally jumped, this became a little tradition that has always happened, even to this day. We stayed up late into the night working on some tie-downs for the horses. Showing was a way of life, and a way we made our money, so it was important to win the next day. We tied rope until our fingers were tired and I am pretty sure I passed out long before daddy. The next morning we woke up early and headed out to the show grounds to feed the horses first. It was still dark outside and I can still smell the hay and grain. While the horses were eating, and they always ate before we did, we headed over to the local IHOP. I remember the menu and ordering the "pigs in a blanket". This was the first time I had heard a food called this, and I made a big deal about it. We laughed and laughed about that for days. After eating we headed back to barn to get ready for the day. I got put on a horse to warm up and one for daddy too. After riding around the arena some, and getting the horse warmed up for the day, I decided to work on some of my circles, not noticing the lady lunging her horse in the center of the arena. When our horses met they both went opposite ways and I stayed right in the middle. Falling off hard down into the dirt. Nothing hurt but my pride. I, of course, got back on after a little coaxing from daddy, and I think we went on to have an okay day. Those tie-downs worked wonders and we got those horses to bury their butts in the dirt during their slides.

Looking back now, I lived for mornings like those, and in a way still do. Now it is all about encompassing it all, making it more than a memory, making it a part of me again. This morning is going to be a good one. I am blessed, blessed, blessed. ooo, Montana



Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Starting Over...

Once again I am back staring at this blank screen trying to figure out the words needed to fill these pages. Words usually flow easily when I am not staring at this page but once I end up here they just stop right before they come out of my fingertips. 

So here it goes again, after almost 4 weeks without home internet, I got the break that I needed and have taken on a new perspective for this whole blogging thing. And it is starting today. Today as I sit on the back porch of my newly moved in house, my blogging will be different. Sure, I plan on sharing my outfits and things that I love but I also plan on sharing my thoughts on struggling to find my place in this world. From my ups and downs, highs and lows, I want to get it out of my brain and into this blank page. So to start it off right I would like to introduce myself.  


So I guess I will start with me. 


-First and foremost I am a Christian, yes I struggle with my exact beliefs and how it all fits together, but I also have faith that the Lord is watching over me, he sent his Son to die for me so that I may be born again. Yes, I sin daily, I make mistakes, I think things I shouldn't, but at the end of the day I know He is there.

-My family means everything to me, we are a little weird, we are a little crazy, but we are a family. As I have gotten older, I began to realize that everyone has things about them and their families that are different, those that seem perfect aren't and those that seem to be hanging on by a thread can usually hang on for a while. And while I once thought that we were the weird ones, we might all just be weird, just weird and different in our own ways. I am learning that love keeps everyone together.

-I am a talker, I like to speak to everyone, from the cashier at the grocery store, to the guy walking down the street, I try and make it a point to at least say hello, most times I even strike up a conversation. I just like to know about others, to know that they are okay, at least in that moment, and speaking to them usually shows me that. 

-I am indecisive. My Mama and I decided we would call it multi-faceted, because it sounds better. It probably sometimes comes off like I am non-committal or something like that, but I just like to think it is because I haven't found my niche yet. I haven't figured out that one thing that makes me tick. I am determined to reach it, to pull it into my arms and trust in my heart that I have found my thing, until then I will be multi-faceted.

-There are moments in time that I just like to stop. I make it a point to thank the Lord for those moments. I pray right then and there and tell Him thank you. All different things make me stop in those moments, from the most perfect sunset, to a sweet, sweet moment with Andy, to the times when my family is all gathered together and things seem like they couldn't get more amazing. I live for those moments.

-I like to dance, I am not usually very good at it, and only think I get better after a few cocktails, but I sure love to do it. I like to dance at weddings, at the bar, in my car, at home with Andy, and even by myself in the shower. I tend to think that dancing makes it all go away. It will always bring a smile to my face and a little two-steppin can turn my mood around in a nano second.
...

This list could easily go on for pages and pages but I think I will stop there. These are the first ones that come to mind when thinking of interesting (or uninteresting) things about myself. I like to read these kinds of posts about others, so I figured some may like to read these things about me to. I saw a bit of advice on a blog I read, "write a blog you would want to read", although now I am not sure whose that was on, so if you know please leave it in the comments. 

Anyway, I am back, and at a place of starting over once again. Blessed to be in this place, and blessed to find the words to fill these pages. ooo, Montana

linking up with Shanna.

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Feeling: Like an Idiot

Let's talk about the time it rained everyday for about two plus weeks. Let's talk about the time when I was too preoccupied with thinking of other things, like packing, selling my furniture, moving, etc... to roll the windows up in my car. Let's talk about the time I walked outside and my mouth dropped open and I physically couldn't get my top lip to meet my bottom. 


I am officially going nuts. I left my windows down in my car last night when we got about an inch of rain. I mean it was pouring down. I even made comments to Andy about how much it was raining. And did I think about it raining in my poor, poor Edna? No. H.E.C.K. NO! 
Here's hoping my Thursday get's better. I will not let a soaking wet car get to me. I am looking at this as a positive thing. Edna got that much needed bath that I have been putting off for weeks, plus she is getting detailed as we (or I) speak. Today I will have a very clean car when it is all said and done. 
Crazy girl out.

<3
Montana

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Eating: Veggie Nachos


The following is another super simple recipe that I pretty much made up last night. I am loving all the veggies available right now but had a craving for a mexican type dinner. I have gotten pretty good at making something out of not much and this is just everything thrown together. I probably could have made it healthier without the cheese, but figured my TWO classes at the gym yesterday would allow for a little cheese.

Veggie Nachos:
vidalia onion
squash
zucchini 
tomatoes
salsa
pepper jack cheese
jalapenos
lettuce (herb mix)
tortilla chips
avocado

Saute onions until they are soft and translucent or a little browned (which is how I like mine). Add zucchini and squash to the pan and cook until softened a little but still have a good amount of bite to them.
That's it. Now it is time to assemble the nachos. 
I layer the items the following way  (from bottom up) chips, lettuce, squash/zucchini/onion mixture, tomatoes cheese, salsa, jalapenos, avocado.  

Are you enjoying my recipe posts? I am not very good at taking pictures throughout the process, but make sure to get an end product picture. 

Friday, July 12, 2013

Saying: Whatever you want me to...

Ok, so here is the actual Says part of SaraMontana Says... I feel like maybe I should start doing a vlog once a week or whenever I decide to share something. So the floor is now open. Do you have any questions for me? Below are the first few videos from my Instagram account if you don't already follow me there.











As you can tell, I am a Braves fan, and I am loving this video thing on Instagram. If you are not already following me there. Make sure to start. I am obsessed and would love to follow you back!! Hit a lady up!

<3
Montana

Oh yeah, got a question for me? Leave it in the comments below.

Thursday, July 11, 2013

Wearing: A Super Simple Outfit

shorts: handmedowns // shirt and wedges: Old Navy // nails: 



<and excuse my tired eyes... I need suggestions for these circles>

This would probably be the outfit that kind of sums up my personal style, although I wish I had added some jewelry, but most days you can find me in some variation of this. I like how easy the shorts are and the simple colors were perfect for a quick dinner out and about. A statement necklace would probably punch this up a notch, but when I packed for this quick trip I completely forgot all my jewelry. What do you add to spice up an outfit?
<3
MIX MATCHMontana

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Eating: Simple Pasta Salad

I have been making this easy dish up for the past two weeks. It is good both hot and cold, doesn't take long to make, uses fresh herbs from my garden, and can easily be added to based on what you have in the fridge.

You Need:
pasta ( I mixed veggie penne with regular bowties)
herbs (basil, thyme, lemon leaves)
feta cheese
tomatoes
chicken broth (or bullion cube)
extra virgin olive oil

Directions:
Bring half chicken broth half water to a boil. Add pasta, cook according to the pasta box. Drain. While still hot drizzle with a couple teaspoons olive oil, add herbs and mix well. Cut cherry tomatoes in half along with any other veggies you want to add. After the pasta has cooled slightly add the veggies and feta. You can then serve immediately or put into refrigerator to chill. 

I eat this during the work day at my desk, and add another fruit in too. It is great right after my yoga workout that I get in during my lunch break and can easily be added to or taken away from based on the ingredients you have in you kitchen. It was inspired by a visit with my DeeDee recently and the veggie penne gets in some of my nutrients for the day. The fresh herbs make this salad so flavorful. 

What is your go-to salad recipe?

<3 
Montana

and a big congrats to Lindsey for being the winner of the Shabby Apple Giveaway!!


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Thursday, June 27, 2013

Modern with a Vintage Twist << GIVEAWAY>>

Dresses from Shabby Apple


If you haven't already heard about Shabby Apple, you must be lost in some crazy non-blog reading world. I kid. I kid. But seriously, Shabby Apple is an online dress boutique that specializes in vintage and retro dresses with a modern twist. The best thing about Shabby Apple's vintage dresses is that they combine the best of both worlds, the combination of a vintage look while still remaining modern and current is something Shabby Apple has down to a science. The are always coming out with new and interesting designs in everything ranging from casual pieces to dressier gowns and even swimsuits. I love their take on fuller skirts combined with more fitted tops and have chosen a few of my favorites below. 

*V-neck buttoned dress in hunter green twill * 97% Cotton, 3% Spandex *Machine wash cold, line dry, iron medium heat  Achieve the easy grace of the fairest English maiden in this countryside charmer. With a gentle v-neck, primly puckered cap sleeves, and dainty white buttons sitting just below the seam-defined bust, wearing the Country Manor dress is the wardrobe equivalent of running through a field of fresh daisies. Autumn-ready in cool hunter green, were pairing it with riding boots and statement tights.
via
Music Hall Skirt
via
Shop Shabby Apple for retro swimwear for women. We offer a great selection of vintage-inspired swimwear and other stylish clothes for women.
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Have any of you bought anything from Shabby Apple? Is there something you see but just don't have the extra cash right now? Well today is your lucky day, Shabby Apple is giving one SaraMontana Says reader a chance to win a $50 giftcard. All yours! To pick out exactly what you want! So go shop ladies! I know I am!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

WANTED: Tiny Gold Jewelry




What tiny gold jewelry are you craving right now? I think it is the perfect way to spice up an outfit without lots of commitment, these can also be layered to add just the right amount of pizzazz to an outfit.

<3
Montana
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Tuesday, June 25, 2013

I don't know what to do with my hands.

(therefore, I take pictures like this)
shoes, shorts, and cardigan: Old Navy


Here goes nothing...

Do you ever have those moments when you get the urge to write, to pour it all out there and then boom. NOTHING... well it's one of those times, so tonight I will just write until something makes sense, or maybe doesn't.

I am catching up on my Real Housewives at the moment and I really cannot get enough. The 100th episode. AH MA ZING. Yes, I realize my family may make fun of me the moment they read this, but I just can't stop watching. I guess its the same thing as reading blogs, I love getting a peek into the lives of others, even if they are full of ridiculous drama that they should all be ashamed of... Nevertheless, I enjoyed catching up tonight.

Oh yeah... Jeff Lewis is coming. EXCITEMENT!

Blue nails... Just picked up a $2 dollar polish to try it out... and I love it! I found these smaller bottles that make trying out new colors perfect. Much less commitment than $8. Yes, I realize I am cheap.

Yoga, yeah you all knew it was coming. It is happening on the daily during the week and sometimes even twice a day. I am so excited about it all. I am feeling stronger each day and I am getting even better at my headstands. Eeek!

This past weekend was a great one spent with Andy, it has been two years since I met that sweet boy and I am so grateful to have him in my life. We worked all weekend getting his brand out there, selling his merchandise, and just having a great time. He even treated me to some pool time and we grilled out one night. Perfect weekend.

Well the night is getting late and I am getting old, so it is time to sign off. Later gator.

<3
Montana

linking up with Shanna for Random Wednesday


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Friday, June 21, 2013

High Five for Friday


Heck yes! That's how I am starting this post, you see that pic above? That's me, doing my first ever headstand all by myself. My intense yoga schedule is paying off and I was so excited when Allie snagged this picture of me! I know I have been a little MIA this week, but I plan on starting back fresh after the weekend. Good things are coming peeps. Good things. 

Here's my 5 things for Friday to get me TO the weekend!

Uno+ Headstands, they have worked my core to the bone this week, cannot wait for each and every class. 
Dos+ Weekends, I live for that day and a half to get my sun on, spend time with Andy, and fill every moment with something wonderful.
Tres+ The fact that Instagram now has videos. Believe me, this might not be great for my followers, but I am sure it will keep me entertained, plus you now actually get to see what SaraMontana Says... <get it?>
Quatro+ (I just had to count all the way out loud to get to quatro, thanks for nothing Ms Blanchard) This quote and my garden. It just can't grow quickly enough. But I have a pepper now, hooray!
Cinco+ And finally all my inspiration for my new room, yeah you heard me right, I am moving, to a new house with a new room so I am taking this time to re-do it all, sell a few things, and clean out some closets!

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Introducing Says Shop...


Listen up folks, I have a few changes happening around these parts so regularly scheduled programming will be back shortly, but in the meantime please go follow @saysshop on Instagram. I am cleaning out my closets and selling some items for VERY cheap! 

And for all you bloggers... mention that you saw this post and get free shipping on your first purchase! Please help me make room for the new things coming my way!

<3
Montana

Friday, June 14, 2013

Summer Adventures in your own town!

While I am off sitting on a sandy beach somewhere I asked someone to stand in for me... I am so excited to introduce Jess, she has the cutest blog, great style, and is planning the wedding of her dreams! Make sure to stop by and say hello. See y'all back next week and I will drink one (or two) for you!!

Hey ya'll...I'm Jess and I blog over at City Sequins!  I am really excited to be blogging for Montana today while she's off on vacation!!!


Since it is now officially summer, I love filling my time off with some exciting adventures...but I am planning my wedding this year so I have had to be more creative with things to do on a budget.  Here are some of the things that I do to keep me busy!

BBQ Game Night


Recruit a few friends and come up with some fun game ideas for a Game Night.  If everyone brings a different dish and outdoor game over then it keeps costs down for the whole group.  Then break up into teams and let the games begin!!  Make sure to have a fun prize - like new beer mugs or beach towels!!

Beach Picnic
This may seem like a simple idea, but it is a great way to have some inexpensive fun!  If you aren't near the beach the check out your local lake.  A lot of beaches also have grills that you can use to cook up some burgers and hot dogs!  Don't forget the yummy drinks and the sunscreen :) 


Explore your own Town

The town I live in has a ton of different groups and activities to get involved in.  Do some research to see what is around you that you didn't even know about! 

- Intramural Sports Leagues:   You can join a team or put together your own and participate in weekly games against other people in your area.  Here in Greenville, SC there is kickball, basketball, cornhole, volleyball and a ton of other teams to join! 

- MeetUp.com:  This website is for people to meet new friends and get involved n new activities.  There are groups all over the country and have activities that range from wine drinking, hiking, bar crawls, running and probably anything else you can think of.  It might seem weird to meet with people that you find online...but who am I kidding...we're bloggers! 

-  Facebook & Event Pages:  My town has a Facebook page that lists all of the events and deals that are going on every single day of the week.  I bet some of your towns do too!  There are a ton of things happening that you probably don't even know about.


Plan a Weekend Stay-cation
This will cost a bit more but can be saved for one special weekend of the summer.  Get on Groupon or LivingSocial and find out what hotels in your area or within a few hours are running deals.  Then have a "weekend away" either with some friends or your significant other.  Have a night out and splurge!  It will keep you from going crazy all summer without taking an expensive vacation!



What things do you guys like to do at home during the hot summer months??  Stop over and say hi to me at City Sequins!

post signature

Thursday, June 13, 2013

#saltinmyhair

via
And that's just what I am getting... tomorrow my friends... tomorrow. 
I am off for the next few days for a little vacation. Be sure to check back tomorrow for a super fun guest post from my good friend Jess from City Sequins. She has been kind enough to step in for me, so please take a second to say hello.

I will miss this little space but hope to come back fully refreshed and my hair full of salt. 
InstagramWant to follow along as I get #saltinmyhair ?
 Follow me on Instagram!


<3
Montana

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

life in the present moment

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To say I might be obsessed is an understatement, my recent yoga classes have taken me over. Body, mind, and spirit. I am so happy to have found Allie, my instructor, as she guides me through this new journey of figuring out the lengths to which I am able to push myself. 

It is going to be hard for me to describe what my recent feelings about this new found love are, but I am going to try. Even before classes begin I am eager to get going, to feel the stretches, and to find that small spot between too much and not enough. As I enter class, I get to see the new familiar faces that I have come to know so much better, new friends, new yogis. And when we begin, I truly find myself only focusing on the present moment. The moment that I am in. It seems so easy during yoga to let go of the bothers in my head, to focus, and to find myself easing my mind of the days worries. I work harder each day to push myself a little more, to bend a little deeper through the forward folds, to hold a headstand for just a few seconds longer, to push through a shoulder stand, and just to grow with each class. When the class itself ends and we ready ourselves for shavansa, it is then that I find a greater inner peace. I am working on closing off my mind more at that point, to focus on my breath, and to find that spot where your mind is solely on the moment, but that is where I struggle. And when we are finished, I leave with a great relaxing feeling covering my body. I feel worked out but relaxed. Truth be told there are some moments during the class that I get jacked up, I want to dance to the music and I find myself tapping my toes to the sounds coming from the radio, I love these moments too, but it is the relaxation at the end that I feel most comforting.

I can also feel my body changing from the classes I am taking, my arm strength has improved tremendously and I feel my core tightening, while I am also becoming more aware of the way that my body pushes through the poses. I make mental notes to not cheat myself out of the moment, to make the most of each move, and to remember that in order to grow in my practices I must push myself daily. 

All in all, I feel so thankful for these random hours during the day. The ones that I always come out of feeling relaxed, more fit, and with a clearer mind for the rest of the day. Have any of you tried yoga? Does a certain type of exercise fit your personality more? I feel so thankful to have found something that I truly enjoy doing.


<3

Montana

oh yeah, if you are ever in the area or currently live in Madison and have been thinking about trying a yoga class, be sure to contact Allie through her website. She is seriously the best.





Monday, June 10, 2013

Fancy Flowers

dress: Eshakti // shoes: Kohls // necklace: Forever 21

Florals! 
These are very big this spring/summer, well pretty much always this time of year. When choosing a new dress for my wardrobe I wanted something that was unlike everything I already had, while also being appropriate to wear to church, daytime weddings, etc. This dress meets all of my criteria while also fitting me like a glove. eShatki specializes in dresses that feel like they were made for you by offering small customization options to all of its customers. Being on the shorter side, they made it easy to find a dress that was the right proportion to my body while also fitting me correctly on the top half.

I can't wait to style this dress more and I am already thinking of the different basics I can add to make this look go several ways, expect to see more of it on the blog soon! 


This product review is sponsored by eShakti, however the items were chosen exclusively by me, and I do my best to represent my genuine experience with eShakti.

Have any of you tried a customized dress from this company? What are your experiences with them?
<3
Montana

Thursday, June 6, 2013

one year ago

One year ago today, I started this little ol blog. Crazy how time flies. My little place on the internet might not be the most popular, have the most followers, or even say the most profound things, but this place is mine. The place for me to put it all out there, the place that documents me trying to figure out this crazy little life of mine. I have met friends, learned new things, and connected with people from across the country. I have been inspired, pushed to try and do new things, and document it all here to share later. I have learned more about my own sense of style, and some days the lack of. I am so happy I found you, sweet little blog. I look forward to many more years, I may vary in my posts, even more so than they do now, but eventually I hope to curate this spot into something more. Not only a piece of me, but a piece of my life that I share with those people out there... you are out there right? 



Cheers to you blog! Here's to many more!


<3

Montana

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

dirt road hippie



shoes: Kohls // dress and sunnies: Walmart // bandana and bracelets: gifted 


Outfits like this make me smile, they make me want to jump up and down and feel dirt between my toes. They make me want to dance outside at night (or just anytime really). They are comfortable and cute. A little hippie dippie and a little country girl. 

As you know from before, this dirt road is my most favorite place in the world I think. I have to take a few pictures here every time I venture home. It represents so much to me. It's where we used to ride horses when I was younger, laughing and yelling, getting lessons on the perfect sliding stop. It's where I ran as fast as I could, when my younger sister fell and broke her arm. It's where Mama and I walked many mornings, determined to get in better shape but laughing and learning so much about each other along the way. It has our favorite Y tree, or used to. It's where I got to drive the tractor with my Papa, it's where we used to draw in the dirt with sticks. It's where we used to drive when it was just to early to go in, it has heard happy times and sad times, fighting and loving. It's as far as I got the first time I ever "ran" away.  It's where my sisters and I grew up, the place that will always lead to what we call home.

<3
Montana

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

PROJECT STYLE

I mentioned briefly before that I had expressed an interest in styling, mainly styling your already existing closet. I have always been a girl on a strict budget and love to find new ways to wear lots of my old items. Sometimes all it takes is another eye looking through your clothing to help you spice up your wardrobe. I have decided to start off small, and only offer these services locally, but have hopes to one day expand into offering online styling session. 
**Remember, if you would like for me to create a look book for you online I am also a KeatonRow Stylist and you can visit my personal site by visiting here

via
Project Style Pricing
Each session will include a set of questions beforehand to determine your own personal style needs, wants, and budget. If we plan on going shopping, I will also do research on the places that we can get the best deals in your area before we head out, this includes searching for coupons, sales, etc.

Revamp Your Closet- This type of session includes going through your closet on a one on one basis in your home. We will talk about fit, go through items that you no longer use, and come up with brand new outfits from clothing pieces you already have. After the session, you can expect collages of outfits based on our discussions and pictures of each collage will be emailed to you.
     $40 for the first hour
     $20 for each additional hour

Personal Shopper- Have you ever needed someone with you while shopping? Someone to bounce ideas off of, get new ideas from, and just to get the right size while you are already in the dressing room? That’s where I come in. I will help you pick items right for your body type, decide on a personal style, and just help you shop!
     $40 for the first hour
     $20 for each additional hour

Complete Wardrobe Rehaul- Think you need both of the above services? Let’s start at your house and get your closet in order, then we will head off to pre-determined stores to get our shop on! This will enable me to get the best idea of what you already have in your closet so that we can make the best use of your ENTIRE wardrobe, not just the new items. You can also expect pictures and collages of the outfits that work best for you to be emailed to you afterwards.
     This would usually take more than an afternoon, so let’s give it a 4 hour minimum.
     $95 for the first 4 hours
     $20 for each additional hour


*Think you need something a little different than what is listed above? Let me know and I can tailor a session to meet your specific needs.


I would love to work with anyone and each individual session can be tailored to your own personal needs. Please remember prices may change depending on the amount of travel involved. Still have more questions? Are you interested? Message me at saramontanasays{@}gmail dot com. 




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