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.

#144

When thinking of a particular quote that I love many come to mind, which is why I have a Pinterest board to keep up with most of them. I am quote obsessed, and feel like the right one at the right time can totally change my mood. Words have a way of knowing exactly what to say, they make you feel like you are not alone in your challenges, like at some time, somewhere, somebody felt the exact same way. And that my friends, at least to me, is very comforting.

Now on to the quote that I chose. I have loved this for as long as I can remember. I think I first saw it in high school sometime and at that point in my life it just rang so true. I was at a point where I was trying to figure out my future outside of Bulloch County and where I should go from there. This was a daily reminded to take that scary leap, to do the thing rather than not, funny thing is, it still rings true each day. I don't want to look back and wish that I had done something, I want to live.  

Later Gators, Montana

This is part of the link up #BlogEveryDayInMay

#143

It is the 3rd day of #BlogEveryDayInMay. Join us in the fun!

 un·com·fort·able: adjective causing discomfort or annoyance <an uncomfortable chair>  <an uncomfortable performance>

Here are the times when I am the most uncomfortable. Take it for what it is worth.


When the tv/radio/computer volume is on a weird number (for me weird is any thing other than a multiple of 5, and if it HAS to be in between, it must be 13, 17, etc, because these are what 12.5 and 16.5 round up too. When the person you share a desk area with doesn't speak the entire day. unless you just don't want to talk, then this makes for an amazing day. When someone catches me singing and dancing and doesn't join in. I hate that people don't join in, of course I am going to dance, just be happy and dance with me. People smacking/chewing with their mouth open. It makes me the most uncomfortable because I want  to tell them that they are being rude and can't do so without seeming rude myself, so I usually just sit there in an uncomfortable bubble until they decide they are full. When I don't like my outfit for the day or just don't feel "cute". Days are much easier and smoother when you love your outfit. I always walk with a little more pep in my step when I actually like my clothes or my hair looks especially good.

JUSTFAB.com// Sherona

Speaking of looking cute... The outfit posts have been lacking this week because I left my camera in Andy's car after the Braves game Monday night, I just got it back today and cannot wait to style these shoes that just came in the mail. I have been trying them on with all kinds of outfits already, cutoffs, skinny jeans, maxis, mini skirts. I might just wear them everywhere. They are super comfortable and will be put to full use starting this weekend!  Did any of you decide to jump on the wedge sneaker bandwagon? Later Gators, Montana

#142

Day 2, Thursday: Educate us on something you know a lot about or are good at. Take any approach you'd like (serious and educational or funny and sarcastic)

After completing this...

Dress: SaraMontana's Original // Shoes: Josie's

... the one thing I think I am good at is "winging it". First off, I have never created another garment, I didn't use a pattern, and my sister doesn't live near me, so constant fittings did not happen. I was asked about this time last year to create Josie's senior prom dress, and being the sweet, sweet sister that I am, of course I said yes. I worked off and on for about 3 months or so. She did give me an idea of what she wanted, but left most of the decision making up to me. I taught myself to sew about 2 years ago and have just been working it out ever since. I enjoyed learning different process and teaching myself by doing has taught me patience, hard work, and patience. Did I say patience?

I think "winging it" has become one of my better qualities, some may prefer to have a plan, but "winging it" has caused me to think on my feet, make a quick decision, and not be easily influenced. All good qualities if you asked me... Yes, I may not have taught you anything specific in this post, but I think that we can all say that "winging it" surely has it's place in this world. Later Gators, Montana

Are you linking up for  #BlogEveryDayInMay ? 

#141

Starting today, May 1, I will be participating with Story of My Life for #BlogEveryDayInMay. This will surely be a stretch for me because I am usually a Mon-Fri blogger, but I feel as though this will keep me accountable. I will be using each of her suggestions, but may possibly be adding to and discussing fashion along the way. 
Day 1, Wednesday: The story of your life in 250 words or less (or one paragraph... no one will be counting your words... probably)

shirt: Old Navy // skirt: Kohls // sunglasses: Walmart 

To start my life, I was born. May 6, 1987. To a mother and father living in rural South Georgia, I grew up the oldest of 3 girls, whom I am happy to call my best friends.  Throughout our childhood we were big time tomboys, spending our weekends at horse shows, cleaning stalls, and taking care of the family horse farm. I was taught hard work at an early age and believe I have my wonderful parents to thank for that. My parents’ divorce, when I was in 8^th grade was a definite struggle for all of us, but over time we have accepted and moved on. I graduated high school in 2005 and attended ABAC in Tifton, GA and completed a two year degree in Animal Science. I loved that small town, the people I met, and the friendships I made that I am sure will last a lifetime. After ABAC, I made the big decision to move away to Texas to attend West Texas A&M University in Canyon. I loved meeting all those new people in a completely new place. I was placed on scholarship through the equestrian and horse judging teams. After graduation I moved home and struggled to find a job for about a year, so I worked about 3 part time jobs while on my search. Throughout all of these years I was in and out of a relationship that taught me a lot about myself. After moving to my current town and finding my current job, we ended our long relationship. I have now been in Madison for a little over 2 years and am so happy to have found Andy. He makes me smile daily and I couldn't ask for more. That is where I am now.

So what are you thinking of this challenge? Are any of you planning on linking up? I would love to hear from you! Later Gators, Montana