Water Park Essentials

Water Park Essentials by navynwhite featuring leather shoes


This weekend for my birthday we're going to a water park. I've never been before, so I've been researching what I should bring/wear/etc. and this is what I've come up with!

1. A bathing suit, obviously. This doesn't even need to be mentioned! Most parks don't allow you to wear regular clothing on the rides, although the one we are going to does allow shorts & t-shirts. Mine is similar to the one pictured above, but more of a giraffe printed top with the same chocolate/white color. I love it because it is comfortable, practical for all the rides (i.e. water splashing everywhere), and it's cute and modest :) I bought both the top and bottom pieces at Lands End online, they have huge outlet sales and that's where I like to shop for swimsuits. I believe the set cost me around $20. My skirt is also ruffled on the bottom and more ribbed looking- the skirt pictured above is a tad more plain.
2. Flip-flops. Some people like to wear water socks, which are great because you can wear them on the rides, but I don't have any and don't feel like buying any! So I'll just stick with the classic: Rainbow flip-flops. They are the most comfortable! 
3. Sunglasses. Unless you want to have a huge headache at the end of the day, take a cheap pair of your favorite shades to protect your eyes (and your head!). 
4. A beach towel (or two!) I am bringing two this weekend, as you never know what might happen and someone might forget theirs. 
5. Tote bag. Gotta have something to carry around all that stuff! Take one that is light and cheap, in case something happens. Plus, you can get lockers and stick everything in a safe place. 
6. Sunscreen. Even if your the most tan girl on the block (or guy), you still need protection from the sun unless you want to end up wrinkled by the time you're 30. Maybe you're already thirty and wrinkled... oops. I wear at least 30 SPF and put it on every few hours because I am very fair-skinned. 
7. Lip balm, otherwise known as Chapstick. See number 6: protect your lips. 
8. Cheek stain. I use Make Up For Ever's pink cheek stain, and this brightens my entire face without looking like I've got a ton of makeup on! As for day-of makeup, I'll probably go with a tinted moisturizer, cheek stain, and some mascara. Keep it simple! Cheek stain also stays on much longer than regular powder blush, and Make Up For Ever's products are generally waterproof- they test their products on the Underwater Ballet. 
9. Waterproof mascara. Need I say more? :) 
10. Money! Bring extra quarters and extra cash, as you will most likely get hungry and not feel like going all the way back to the car for a drink or a snack. Plus, you'll probably need some quarters for the lockers.
11. An extra outfit: mine includes my new favorite shorts (Target, $18), a white tee (Walmart, $4), and a navy cardigan (H&M, $15). I'm bringing a cardigan because it may get cool in the evening, and I know I'll want to change out of my wet swimsuit when we leave the park! 

One more thing I didn't have a picture of: ziplock bags. I recently read this on a blog, and it is such a genius idea! I'm always needing an extra bag to stick wet stuff in, or in case something begins to leak, etc. Plus, that way, if I stick my swimsuit in a bag, nothing else in my bag gets wet on the way home!

What are your park essentials? Is there anything I missed?

K

Those brownies must not work...

Today's post is all about BROWNIES. Typically I don't like just plain, chocolate brownies. I like brownies with stuff inside or outside... or both!

The Pioneer Woman gives us just that:

Photos by The Pioneer Woman

I'm addicted to these brownies, and because of that, I will be making them for my brother & sister's graduation party tomorrow. They just SCREAM heaven.. Here's the link to the caramel and chocolate oozing, powdered sugar covered, hot and moist brownies you've been missing out on: 


http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2011/05/knock-you-naked-brownies/

The funny story that goes along with these brownies is the name: Knock You Naked Brownies. One night a few of my family members were in the kitchen, and a comment was made that the brownies we were eating weren't working.. we all laughed, and I cried a little bit I think. Sometimes I laugh too hard, I guess. Anyways, don't worry, they won't actually knock you naked, they'll just make you feel good enough to walk around and tell everyone how good you look. 

Or how fat you feel, which is normally my response.

:)

Enjoy your brownies and your weekend, friends.

K

Summer Color

Summer Color by navynwhite featuring white watches


My two-day vacation also included doing a little shopping while we were out.. imagine that, the redheads shopping.. crazy, I know. There was an amazing J.Crew store where I found these 5" chinos for a great price, and they were on my list! Woo hoo! Wait, there's more. I already own the tank (similar), bag (similar), and watch (similar), so I found similar earrings at BodyC (where they sell all of their jewelry for $3.90), and these exact wedges at Old Navy on clearance! They aren't too high, and they are a bright color (also on my list), and they follow my rule of being under $25 for a "fad." Generally I only buy things over $25 if they are a classic style, so these were perfect for my budget and my closet. 

Simple, Quiet Evenings.

I love nights like tonight. There is a chance of thunderstorms with a hint of sun shining through the clouds. My escape to my sister's proved to be just what I needed: a breath of fresh air. It gave me a new perspective, or rather, God gave me a new perspective of who He is & of who I am. He also gave me quiet mornings to wake up and read His word; not get on the internet and see who's who and read the latest blog or see the cute pins on Pinterest.. not immediately rise out of bed thinking I don't have the TIME to read the bible.. but what I don't have time for is living a life that is worthless. Pretending I've got it all under control when really, I don't. I am nothing without Him. The bible says that all of my works "are as filthy rags" (Isaiah 64:6). Another thing God is teaching me is that He hates pride. I'm reading through C.J. Mahaney's book, "Humility: True Greatness" and in this book C.J. includes so much scripture (which is awesome). A verse I am now memorizing is, "..whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all" (Mark 10:33-34). Wow.

Sharing that with you probably opens up so many cans of worms, it's ridiculous. But I need that. I need Christ's death, I need the power of His love, and I need the constant reminder to be like Him. He is the greatest of all, and He gave all.

Let's live like Him.

K

Theory Thursday II

Good morning.

When I went downstairs for coffee, my mother laughed at me and said, "Oh, right, today's the day you have to go back to the real world and WORK!" I just looked at her. And then I said, "Coffee. Coffee. Coffee."

:)

I'm super excited to share this article from Bob Kauflin's blog, (worshipmatters.com) as I will be teaching Pre-K & Kindergarten music next year. Hopefully I will be able to incorporate new music into the original kids music.

"Every so often I’ll run into someone who reminds me that long after we record an album, God continues to use it in people’s lives.

In late January, I was in Orange County, CA for a Gathering event. On Sunday morning I spoke at the Sovereign Grace Church of Orange County, led by Eric Turbedsky. It was there I met David and Laura. They shared their story with me and I was so affected that I asked them to send it to me. Here’s what they wrote:

We have been blessed with not only a daughter, but God in the last two and a half years has blessed us with four more little ones. These children belonged to my wife’s niece, but because of her constant drug use and continued imprisonments her children were taken from her. Unfortunately, these children suffered through physical and mental abuse, as well as, two were born with meth in their systems. We were overjoyed and humbled to think that God would use us to love and minister to these precious children. So as it stands, we have already been able to adopt the first three and are in the finalization process for the last boy to be adopted.

We have been so blessed to be introduced to Sovereign Grace Kids and play the CDs all the time with our little ones. They love the songs, and have learned many of them and sing along when we play them at home or in the car. One of the girls, along with her brothers, will request “Lazy Bones” which is their favorite one of all! As we have been in the process of finding a new church body, and I have gone alone to scout out a fellowship, my wife has stayed home with the kids and done “children’s church.” She uses these wonderful songs to teach our kids the wonderful things of the Lord and the Gospel. Because the words reflect the Word, our kids are getting deep theology with a great tune and memorable lyrics.

Thank you and your team for taking the time to put these CDs together. Your labor is not in vain. We see the fruit now, and have faith in God that these songs and His Word will bear fruit in changing their lives for Christ, and using these little ones to impact the world with the grace and love of God.

At this point we’ve produced three kids albums, and hope to produce more in the future. Awesome God focuses on the attributes of God,To Be Like Jesus explores the fruit of the Spirit, and Walking with the Wise contains songs from Proverbs. In all our kids albums we seek to steer away from moralism (“just be better and work harder”), and seek to highlight God’s mercy, goodness, and wisdom in providing a Savior for us in Jesus Christ, who is the greatest of all treasures.

If you haven’t heard any of our kids albums, you can check them out on our new website here, under the KIDS tab."

Enjoy, friends! 

K

Love/Hate Relationship

I'm not really sure how to explain my obsession with navy and white other than a love/hate relationship.

Years ago, way back when we were in a homeschooling program that was very reserved and conservative, we always had to wear navy and white to certain events. Mom & Dad usually made us wear these colors out in public, probably because we had so much navy and white in our closets. For years I wouldn't wear navy and white (not willingly at least), but then all of the sudden, I realized the nautical stripe of navy and white looked downright adorable with our fair coloring, blue eyes, and red hair.  Who knew? That reserved, conservative organization might have had a thing for style after all. Thankfully, that reserved, conservative organization had much to do with my parents raising us the way they did, and people don't usually run away from us (anymore!), so I guess that's a good thing. Being the baby of six can be scary, but it is always hilarious and full of blessings. Now my love/hate relationship is mostly love, considering ninety percent of my closet is navy and white clothing. Add a little gold, coral, and blush pink and I'm a happy camper.

Most of my style/fashion posts will be full of ideas for how to make navy & white work in all aspects of life. If you're not a fan of the colors, I'm sorry. That stinks for you. Scroll through my posts and we'll see if you feel the same when you leave. :)

Until next time, friends.

K

What I'm Wearing

What I'm Wearing by persuasivepianist featuring flower hair accessories

Au Jour Le Jour cashmere top, £209
Dorothy Perkins oversized top, $44
Miu Miu short mini skirt, $525
Dolce Vita ankle wrap sandals, $149
Marc by Marc Jacobs white jewelry, £150
H M braided belt, £3.99
Warehouse flower hair accessory, $45

One Pair of Shorts

Having been determined to find the best pair of colored shorts, I think this coral-muted red color will be my best bet. Planning 5+ ways to wear something helps me determine whether I should purchase it or not! I really love the length of these shorts, as they are about two or three inches above my knee. I have a hard time finding shorts long enough, while not making me look frumpy all at the same time. 

What color shorts will you be wearing this summer?

One Pair of Shorts by persuasivepianist 

Dorothy Perkins lace top, $35
MNG by Mango ruffle top, $25
Precis Petite cap sleeve tee, £12
H M boat neck top, £13
Forever 21 ruffle top, $12
Merona Womens Classic Chino Short (Fit 1) Assorted Colors, $18
MICHAEL Michael Kors beach sandals, £125
Ann Marino summer wedge, $50
Flip flop shoes, $49
Type Z platform shoes, $39
Lightweight shoes, $20

My [youngest] Older Brother.

Yesterday my [youngestolderbrotheryoungestoftheboysfouryearsabovemeclosestinagecalledmeabratawesomecreativesmartbabyboyfiveofsixkids] graduated from Virginia Tech. The Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, College of Engineering, with a Bachelor's degree in Industrial & Systems Engineering to be exact. I love him to death, and I am so proud of him. When congratulated, he gave praise to his Savior. Mikey is such an example to me, an example to press on, push towards the goal, push boundaries (yes, sometimes that meant getting in trouble as kids ;), and trust God in everything. God has grown our relationship over the years, and I am so grateful to God for him.

The "day" was actually a two day process. Friday morning we met up with the Princess at the stadium, where we waited for a couple of hours until the processional began.

Quite a few people showed up for this event to support their grads!...trust me, I huffed and puffed all the way to the top, but it was SO worth it to capture almost everyone in attendance! 

First Lady, Michelle Obama spoke as the commencement speaker. 

Inside the stadium at the graduation for the VT College of Engineering.

Waiting his turn!

His biggest fan. Notice what's in her mouth. :) 

I love you, Mikey, and will always look up to you. Thank you for being such an awesome example of endurance, faith, and passion for what you love. Congratulations, Mikey.


K

Style 101

Current Ideas 5/13 by persuasivepianist featuring summer handbags

Forever 21 ruffle top, $12
Merona Womens Classic Chino Short (Fit 1) Assorted Colors, $18
Sandals, $7.49
Summer handbag, $29
Handbag, $27
Bracelet, $6
Earrings, $6
Lori s Shoes thin belt, $11
Lori s Shoes thin belt, $11
TEXTURED SPRINGY BANGLE, $6






I have discovered that BodyCentral has tons of cheap, cute jewelry. I found the turquoise ruffle top (Forever 21) by reading one of my favorite blogs, J'sEveryDayFashion. She had styled it with a cardigan & skirt, I believe. Those grey & yellow sandals are so adorable, but they are definitely NOT an investment. The $7.50 price tag gives that away, as these are all man made materials and will lend no support for my feet. But they are good inspiration for days to come. The red/coral colored shorts have been on my list for about a month, I've found more than five ways to wear them, warranting that they would be a great summer purchase. :) 


K

My Favorite ISE Graduate

Loving the photo ops at Virginia Tech this weekend. And loving spending time with my brother!

A Hokie Day

Today we're headed to Blacksburg to my brother's graduation. MIchelle Obama is speaking, so I'm sure there will be many people around to hear. We are so excited that Mikey is done! I can't believe my youngest older brother is so grown up. I am so grateful to God for him! Happy Friday, friends. Enjoy this beautiful day!



K

Navy Crops

Investments. Oh, how I love them! I realized that a huge staple of my summer wardrobe would be a pair of semi-skinny navy crops/capris, if I could find them in my size somewhere. After quite a long shopping trip, I found the perfect fit at Marshall's. You can find similar crops below, and even more at many of your local stores (Target, JcPenny, Old Navy, etc.)

What investments will you be making this summer?

Navy Crops by persuasivepianist featuring slim fit pants

J.Crew slim fit pants
$90 - jcrew.com

Wallis cropped pants
$39 - wallisfashion.com

Old Navy twill pants
$28 - oldnavy.gap.com

Unfading Beauty: Makeup

Beauty. Such a marvelous thing to behold. I always hear that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but I think there is more to it than that. Beauty comes from within. It comes from God, and only from Him. He created me & you, and that's that. He knew when He made us that we are BEAUTIFUL. That should be all that matters. However, it's easy to let the culture around us shape our thinking on this issue. I don't want my beauty to fade when my makeup runs off my face in the heat of the summer, or when my skin is dried out, or when I'm tired and have bags under my eyes. I want to have the beauty that comes from above. Proverbs 31: 30 says, "Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." (ESV) 1 Peter echos Proverbs, "Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious" (1 Peter 3:3-4). This is a constant reminder that I need HIM. Every time I look in the mirror, I realize how much I need him to create in me that imperishable beauty. I cannot, in any way, shape or form, become beautiful on my own. 


As today's Unfading Beauty post is on makeup, I'd like to show you what I use to accentuate that God given beauty we were just talking about. 

1. I use Revlon's Photo Ready Perfecting Primer as a base (Walmart, $8). Sometimes I don't even use foundation, I just put this on with the mineral veil & some blush! Works great for summer days.


2. Urban Decay's De-Slick spray has to be one of the best products I've ever used. The only problem? I'M RUNNING OUT. I bought the travel size from Sephora, and have been sparingly using it ever since. It is definitely perfect for warm days when there is the danger of your makeup running everywhere.


3. Covergirl's natural foundation is light and airy, and it doesn't feel heavy at all. Generally in the summertime I use very little liquid foundation, and I typically use BareEscentuals (see number 8). You can find Covergirl's foundation at any drugstore, as well as Target & Walmart. 


4. BareEscentual's Mineral Veil is perfect for any skin tone and the perfect finishing touch over any foundation. This helps to eliminate shine throughout the day and keep your makeup fresh. 


5. Nars Illuminator... what more can I say? This is a sparkling gel-like cream that you only need to use a tiny bit of for your cheekbones. I usually mix a little of this into my foundation for some extra warmth.


6. Nars Blush, the perfect peachy-pink sparkling blush. 


7. Make Up For Ever cheek stain can be found at Sephora and online. I use this once or twice a week, depending on the weather, and it stays much longer than any powder blush. 


8. BareEscentuals foundation is, like I said before, perfect for summertime. You can now buy the matte version of their regular powder foundation, which I am eager to try! 


9. Nars The Multiple stick is great for highlighting. Supposedly you can use it on your eyes, lips, and cheeks, but I like it best on my cheeks and eyes. It looks very pasty and chalky on my lips. 

Most of my makeup isn't drugstore makeup, and only because if I buy cheap makeup, I get cheap results. I like to invest in makeup that I know I will love, and the result is that it lasts much longer because I use less product then I do with cheap makeup. 

What makeup is your favorite? Have you tried any of these products?

K

Theory Thursday

This morning was a bright one. Literally. I woke up to the sun beaming in my eyes... and yes, it was before 7am. Normally I get up at six every morning (my version of the 5AM club), but this morning was a good one to sleep in a bit, considering the sick feelings going on in my stomach.

Thursdays will be the day I post about something musical: theory is the most important aspect of music, without it, there would be no rhythm, no emotion, no nothing. Trust me, I've heard enough from my piano teacher over the years to know that theory is important. If you're not that into music, just think of it as your bible. Without it, you wouldn't know how to live according to the will of God...
.. well, sometimes that worked for me. It was more like I wouldn't know how to play according to the will of my piano teacher ;)

So, back to today's post! Lately I've been doing a lot of Sovereign Grace Music at church. This past Sunday we sang "Behold Our God." "God eternal, humbled to the grave, Jesus, Savior risen now to reign!" Click on this link to get free guitar chords, piano scores, and lead sheets for the entire album!
- Behold Our God Freebies -

You can watch the video right here on my blog. Enjoy!

Have a wonderful Thursday, dear friends.

K