My May

May was a pretty busy month for me, between my birthday, strawberry picking, a wedding, going home two out of four weekends, and finishing it up with Memorial Day and a graduation, I'd say that all adds up to a pretty perfect month.

look what my June is shaping up like...

And lastly, a video of someone I am very proud of...

Whatsername Jewelry- Spotlight on Style #1

Today's post is my first Spotlight on Style Sponsor slot. Whatsername Jewelry makes beautiful jewelry and custom pieces and I cannot wait to place my first order as soon as I decide which piece I have to have!! These items all add a personal touch to an everyday outfit, and would also make great gifts for the special ladies in your life.

This week I've added a few special character charms to my Whatsername Jewelry Etsy Shop which has brought about the design for the Three Charm Necklace. The special characters include a baby girl, baby, chick, and paw print. The Three Charm Necklace is made with your choice of three (3), 12mm charms on a 16 inch Silver Plated Chain. Choices for the charms to be added your necklace are:

Single Initial Charm
Special Character Charm
Three Initial Charm or Two Initials with an &
Single Number Charm
Double Digit Charm

Any Combination of the Choices Listed Above can be added to your necklace since it will be made to order. This is a lovely layered charm look and a constant reminder of the love you have for yourself or another.

Style your necklace with you and your partners initials, a charm with a stamped baby and the initial of your newborn. How about three special characters charms or three initial charms together. Have your initial, team number, and chick paired together. Whatever you want, you can do. Share your love with the Three Charm Necklace.

Visit my Etsy Shop to see my full selection of hand stamped jewelry including the Three Charm Necklace, Initial and Name Jewelry.

Photos by Whatsername Jewelry

Easy Breezy Tuesday

dress: Old Navy // necklace: Forever 21 // shoes: Target

Shop My Look:

After a super busy weekend, I am showing you an easy breezy outfit that I wore to my sister's graduation. The colors were completely appropriate for the festivities of the Memorial Day weekend. It's back at work again today after a great time at home. I am so happy that the weather is starting to feel like summer and soon I will be sipping a beer at the beach. How was y'alls weekend? Anything grand happen?

Later Gators,

Montana

You are just what we needed.

Today there were tears, but little sister graduated high school today. I truly can't believe that this day has finally got here, so in true Tana spirit, here is a letter to Josie.

Sweet Jose,

Let me start off by saying how much I love you. I couldn't be happier that God gave you to us. You are just what we needed. A push towards the direction of crazy, we can always count on you for a laugh, and I can always give you my own personal sob story (when I shouldn't) and know you will listen.

As you graduate, grow up, and get out of the small bubble called high school there are a few things you should remember. First off, we all love you tremendously. We may fight or get upset with you, but our love for you is constant. The same goes for God's Love, he is always there, at times when you feel alone, scared or just don't know what to do in a situation, say a prayer and feel his presence. He is there. Next, follow your dreams. Do all the things you always wanted to do. Make decisions for yourself and don't be in a hurry to find someone. Find yourself first. This is the time in your life to figure out yourself, figure out who you are and what you want, but don't be in a hurry, you have plenty of time.

And lastly, remember I will always be here for you, for you to call when you need to cry, yell, or complain. To call when you need a laugh, to visit when you just need time away. I love you gopher. Always.

Oh yeah... get ready to jump out of a plane. 

Tana

Yes! We are nuts!

via

Seeing these pictures on Facebook sure made my morning a whole lot better, it also helps that I am headed home for a 3 day weekend, to see my little sister graduate high school, spend some much needed time with my family, and just get out of town! 

This is all I got today folks! 

Happy Friday and Happy Weekend!!!

<3

Montana

Chambray strikes again

 chambray dress and shoes: Old Navy // bracelets: gifted from Africa

I went for a little shopping trip the other night, I mainly went just to look for a new client, but came out with a couple things myself. My first stop was Old Navy and I was actually surprised at how little I found. Old Navy is where I go to find most of my basics, and I usually walk out with things by the arm load. I did manage to score this awesome chambray dress and let me tell you, it does not disappoint. This dress could be the most comfy dress I own now and the fabric is so unbelievably soft. I am already thinking of all the ways to wear it but chose the first look to be super simple. Just the dress. When getting ready for my job in the mornings, simplistic is usually the way I go. The shoes I found were also super comfy while being on my feet most of the day without being too fussy. I am loving that I added two more great basics to my closet and excited to be working towards a closet that I love.

Shop My Look: 

I am also so excited to announce more about my newest styling endeavor. I have decided to pursue a small part time styling business. I want to help others be able to use all of the clothes they already own to the best of their abilities. I am excited about showing others how to style all the items already in their closet and add a few to make them feel confident when getting ready each and every day. Please email me if you are interested in working with me. I would be ecstatic to have you! You can check out my "SHOP" page for more information and a complete price list. 

At this moment this styling business is only open to those in close proximity to me, but for those out of the area, please consider me to be a stylist for you through KeatonRow. I would love to style a look online for you!

<3

Montana

** please remember all items in my Etsy shop sold from now until the end of May, 100% of the proceeds will be donated to help those that suffered the tornado's throughout Oklahoma. Your help would be appreciated.**

please take a moment...

I don't know what it is, but I just cannot muster the energy or the thoughts to come up with a fashion post this week. At least not this soon. My heart is still with Oklahoma. Even as I write this, tears have begun streaming down my face. This awful awful tragedy has really disturbed me. I know that there have been others, and I know that they have been just as tragic, but this just feels close. Close and so scary. The news is so discouraging, and recently I just haven't been able to get my thoughts straight in my head. The Boston Marathon, that awful man in Cleveland, and now the tragic events of the hurricane. I guess in the first two instances I lost a little faith in humanity. In all honesty, I am a pretty positive person, some may even call me naive as I tend to find the best in all people and just dismiss the fact that they could even have a bad bone in their body. I am usually the first to give people the benefit of the doubt and quick to forgive, but those first two instances just rocked me to my core. I can't believe that someone would intentionally do those things, and in the second case do it over and over for years. My heart is just sad. I am overwhelmed with these feelings of sadness.

And then yesterday happened, and a tragic event shook our country once more. This was a natural disaster, something that no one could have prevented, no one could have planned for completely. There is no one to blame. And it too is sad. I am sad for the losses of children, children who thought they would be going home that day, parents who told their children goodbye that morning, just to never have that chance again. I am sad for those that lost their homes, all of their belongings, things that many hardworking people worked everyday for to be sure they were able to provide for their families. My prayers are with the teachers of the schools, the owners of the businesses, and the officials of the towns. My prayers are with the parents, children who lost their friends, and people who lost their beloved pets.

It has been hard to gather my thoughts about this situation and the others, but I do know one thing, this will bring us closer. This will cause us all to think twice when we say goodbye, to hug a little tighter, a little longer. To never regret one moment we get with the ones we love. To say I love you, to say it often, to say it as soon as it hits you and to never take it back.

If you are still reading, thank you. Thank you for allowing this to be my space to spill my heart out for a moment, and please please take a moment to say a prayer for all the people in Oklahoma and surrounding areas affected by the tornado's this week.

Montana



Please remember I am donating 100% of the proceeds from any item in my shop purchased through the end of May to a disaster relief fund. 

Hello Apparel is also donating all proceeds from the sale of this shirt to disaster relief. I just ordered mine.

a post that hurts my heart to write...

The above road represents home for me. A home where I have family, the things and times I cherish from my childhood.
After the devastation of yesterday, my heart is hurting, Just looking at the pictures makes tears begin to stream down my face and I cannot fathom the amount of hurt the people of Moore, Oklahoma are going through right now. I cannot imagine losing everything I owned and it is even harder to think about losing a sweet sweet child. My thoughts and prayers are with these families.

To help the people of Moore, OK...
from now until the end of May, all proceeds from anything purchased in my Etsy shop will go to help the people of Moore. I am doing my research about the best place to donate the money and will be sure to give you an update of the exact spot I decide. I wish that I was closer and could help in person, but this is the best that I can do for now.

Hold your loved ones tight, never pass up a moment to tell them what they mean to you, and be grateful for each moment.

Montana

Just keep swimming, just keep swimming

Yep, its that time of year again... time to get into a bathing suit. I am going to yoga, eating healthy, and working on my tan all to prepare for our upcoming vacation in about a month. On top of this I have started to think about swimsuits, cover ups and flip flops. Getting into a swimsuit isn't something that I always look forward to, but the beach is my all time favorite and I cannot wait until next month. Above I have found some  cover-ups and swim suits that are in my small budget but also get the award for being super cute. I mean check out that toucan. I have to have. How are you feeling about swim suit season?
Later Gators,
Montana

Oh yes! Be sure to check out my Keaton Row Stylist page and let me create a LOOKBOOK just for YOU!!

My attempt at titles, and a new endeavor.

jeans: Target // shirt: StitchFix // cardigan and shoes (similar) : Old Navy

THE OUTFIT:

Stripes! I got this shirt with my second StitchFix a few months ago and it was one of the things I decided to keep. I am excited to wear it more with the warmer weather finally moving in. I love the racer back and the flowy fabric will look great with shorts or tucked in to a pencil skirt. These wedges are a staple in my wardrobe during the warmer months because they are comfortable and go with most anything. 

NOTES:

Today I had an idea about posting individual pictures of my clothes and creating a separate folder so that I can create outfits at any time and give me a better idea of the actual items that I keep in my closet. Over the next few weeks, you will see pictures of me in my outfits, followed by a collage of the individual items. I am hoping that this will make me more organized and better able to mix and match and get fuller use of my closet.

Additionally, I want to announce that I am now a Keaton Row stylist. I am using this platform to get my feet wet in the styling world and I would love to create an online lookbook for any of YOU! This service is free to you and the products that you might buy are offered at the same prices as retail through Keaton Row. Please visit my personal stylist page for more information.

I am so excited about pushing more boundaries and I realize I may have a lot of irons in the fire but I am eager to get started with this new endeavor. Won't you join me on my new fun adventure?

Later Gators,

Montana

#149

skirt: Kohls // vest: Forever21(similar) // t-shirt: gift // bag: Old Navy

Maxi skirts can be the easiest things to throw on, I have found myself wearing this one more and more. The t-shirt would be clothing enough, but I feel like by adding a vest and a bag with a pop of color you create more of an outfit. I wore this particular outfit with flip flops, but could easily add some wedges to "dress" it up a little. Maxi skirts are great for every body type, and I feel like they even elongate my short legs some days. What has been your closet staple lately?

and now for...
#BlogEveryDayInMay

10 things that make me happy. 

(in no particular order)

Family

Andy

Yoga

This blog

Being creative

The beach

Riding with the windows down

Looking GREAT in an outfit

Home and a dirt road

Trashy television

Later Gators,

Montana

#148

dress and necklace (similar): Forever 21 // shoes (similar) : Target 

After this swamped weekend, it feels so good to be figuring out some new ideas for my blog. I am working on being more consistent with my outfit posts while also showing you where you can find items like these. We had a blast at our friend's wedding this weekend, but I was dancing so much that I forgot to take a picture of my outfit. So here is the breakdown. The shoes lasted for a good little bit, but I eventually changed to some sandals to dance the night away. The dress was perfect for this outdoor reception on a spring night. It was also so inexpensive ($15) and easy to mix with pieces I already had. I cannot wait to use it in other ways. 

So to catch up with #BlogEveryDayInMay...

something that I miss... I miss Texas. I miss the days in college when all I had to worry about were my grades, I often wish I hadn't been in such a rush to join the real world. I am happy with many aspects of my life at the moment, but I just think it would have been nice to not be in such a hurry. To enjoy those moments and the people in them, because it is on rare occasion, if ever, that I will get to see them again.

a public apology... I apologize to my readers, for not being consistent in my posting. I am going to be better about it in the future and I realize if I want this blog to grow (and I do) I must be consistent. Make time, treat it like a job, a job that I love.

Thanks for sticking around folks.

Later Gators, Montana

#147

Once again I am playing catch up. I don't know about you but this week is seriously kicking my booty. I can't seem to get all that I want to get done, done at the right time. Do any of you have those kinds of weeks? Whew!

Anyway for the #BlogEveryDayInMay challenge yesterday I was supposed to post about a time where I was embarrassed. I thought about this a lot yesterday, just never got around to putting my fingers to the keyboard. I am not one who gets embarrassed easily, growing up with my dad that was something I learned very quickly. He is a "say anything at anytime kind of guy" and I learned to just get used to it. I wouldn't say that I am very clumsy, or fall often, so that knocks that one out. I guess this is just something I am gonna have to think about and get back to you about. There is not a certain moment that jumps out at me where I have been embarrassed.  That either means I have a horrible memory (could be the case) or I just don't have a certain thing that I was beyond embarrassed about. 

Next up is to sell myself in 10 words or less... I decided to give you 10 words that describe me in the hopes that would sell me. Here goes...

I am loyal, honest, hardworking, creative, a team player, driven.

Later Gators, Montana

#146

A moment during today. I am exhausted so this is all you get.

#145

jeans: Target // shoes and top: Old Navy // vest: Forever 21-similar // necklace: Charlotte Russe- similar

Today is a catch up day for #BlogEveryDayInMay. I knew this weekend would be a stretch as it was my birthday and I decided to travel home. Blogging isn't usually one of my main priorities while I am there and this weekend was no different. I love taking the time away to really enjoy my family, eat some of mama's home cooking and just relax. 

So for my profession of blogger love I would have to say that I have three. These are always the first blogs I look at, the ones I get inspired from, and the ones I am sure that I would be friends with IRL. First off is Lindsey at A Little Bit of Life. I first was introduced to her through a jewelry swap and this was one of the first things I participated in in the blog world. I loved how nice she was automatically and I am sure that if we lived closer we would meet up weekly for drinks and talking. Next would have to be Shanna at Because Shanna Says So. I remember the first time I read her blog. I just knew she was someone I would like. Plus she is from Texas and can rock hard to some Texas Country. I love the her positive outlook on her blog and I am inspired by her great attitude, amazing fashion sense, and recent winnings with Wallis,. She works so hard on her blog and I find myself hoping that I can be as devoted to my little space on the web as much as she is to hers. And last,but certainly not least, Katie at For Lauren and Lauren. I always know that I can turn to her for  a daily dose of encouragement. Her story is so amazing and I am so happy that her and her husband are finally getting to welcome a sweet baby girl into this world. Katie is going to be the best mother!

If I didn't have my job, I am not sure how I would answer that question. I think that is a question that I am working on figuring out at this time in my life. I guess my answer for now would be, I am a temporary. Not a temp in the way that I work for an agency, but a temp in the way that my ideas are temporary at the moment. I am fleeting from one to another until I find something that just fits, something that makes me utterly and completely happy. 

And finally, the things I am most afraid of...

being a "temp" forever, not finding my niche, losing my loved ones without them knowing what they mean to me, not finishing things on my ever growing bucket list, roaches.

Well I might as well include Wednesday's post today too.
My biggest piece of advice for everyone was is and will always be the same. "You only have one life. Live it to the fullest. Do all the things you want to do, even the ones you only wish you could." 

I know this has been all over the place but I hope you all followed along and learned a little more about me. I think that is the best part about this challenge, learning more about others and more about yourself.
 Later Gators, Montana

oh yeah... I am trying to get rid of some advertising for May. Wanna get in on this action?
check out my advertising page here.