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

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

Montana

Modern with a Vintage Twist << GIVEAWAY>>

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. 

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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

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

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! 

Get $25 OFF your first order! Shop www.eShakti.com

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

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

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

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.**

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

#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

#140

shorts: hand-me-downs // shirt: GoFish // boots: BCBG 

I am loving the mix of long-sleeves and shorts this time of year and this shirt is perfect for an evening out when you want to be comfortable yet still show a trendier side. This top has also been seen here, and I believe it is best worn with a more fitted bottom, both of my cases have been gray, but I think the red would also look great with black leggings or regular blue jeans. 

excuse my waving hand.

WHEW!

What a weekend! It is Sunday night as I write this and my heart is full with the activities of the weekend. Friday was spent with friends at dinner and out and about in downtown Athens. Although it was a late night for this "old" lady, I had the best of time talking, laughing, and having a few drinks with some pretty fun people. It was Twilight weekend in Athens, and for those of you outside of Georgia, that is a bike race that zooms around downtown once a year. It draws huge crowds to the area and it is so fun every year. Saturday, I worked the morning then went to a small festival in my town that showcases local talent with my sister. We had the most amazing ice cream cone and then headed home for a short afternoon rest. Saturday night Andy and I loaded up the SPP truck and headed to a tractor pull for the night. It ran pretty late, but we sold lots of shirts and hats and it was a successful evening all around. Today was spent in church, followed by dinner with Andy's family and then the rain forced us inside for the afternoon and I seriously took the best nap of my life. All in all it was a fun filled, but restful weekend that left me refreshed and ready for the week. What were you all up to this weekend? Later Gators, Montana

linking up with Sami for Weekend Update
and Lipgloss and Crayons for YOLO Mondays.

make sure you are following via

High Five for Casual Friday!

 jeans: LEI (old) // button-up: Charlotte Russe // shoes: Toms

(excuse the baggy knees)

TGIF! 

Thank goodness it is Friday. I am unbelievably excited for this weekend and I can't wait for it to start. Tonight is Twilight in Athens, and we are meeting up with a group of friends to watch the bicycles whiz by! Tomorrow of course includes working in the AM followed by strawberry picking and then rednecking it up at the tractor pull. Sunday will hopefully include some sunshine and laziness, praying the rain will hold off. 

Now on to this super casual outfit... my job includes lifting feed bags, talking to farmers, and I always feel dusty no matter how much I am in the office, this shirt and jeans are perfect for when I want to feel slightly trendy, yet still appropriate for my casual workplace. A button up is the perfect item and I wear them on the daily. What are you looking forward to this weekend? Later Gators, Montana

Oh yeah, I did a headstand last night at yoga class. I am a future yogi for sure and I wish there were more classes that I could attend. I really feel like I have found my exercise of choice. Yes there will still be running for cardio, but yoga is my new love.