Ivyscloset

As I think about 2020, of course my first thoughts go to the pandemic, sheltering in place, the hurricanes, the fires, the protests, the presidential race. So many things happen that rocked not just the US but, the whole world. I lead a fairly quiet life with my family in a small city in Louisiana. I take care of my kids, work full time, do sports on the weekends, church on Sunday and blog in my free time. Well, lately not much blogging and more just sharing outfit ideas.

But as we start this year I really want to be more open about myself, my way of life and most importantly my love for Jesus Christ. I am no Saint, and I would never pretend to be. I drink wine occasionally, I swear occasionally and sometimes I say things I wish I wouldn’t have said. And then feel guilty and basically punish myself with worry and stress nonstop over what I said or did. As a Christian you are not supposed to Judge people or worry (because God is in control.) Things that most human beings do, but for the most part, actively try not to. But it is very hard not to worry about things in life and I know we all judge people when we shouldn’t.

My point is we all think differently, live different lives, deal with life issues in a different manner. But at the very base of our souls, I believe all God’s people (which means everyone to me) have good in their heart. And even if we disagree on politics, religion or even what kind of movies we like. We all are human beings that deserve respect and love. Not Hate. Not ever hate.

I am a Christian, I believe in life at conception, I believe in law and order, I believe the government should work for us not the other way around. I do not want to depend on the government for anything, but I would like them to help as needed. Long story short I am a Republican. I see hundreds of movies, tv shows, media included, labeling ALL Republicans/ Conservatives as villain’s and racists. I love everyone, and I have always raised my children to love everyone. And I have taught them that even though someone might be a different, color, nationality, political party etc., we are all neighbors and the exact same in God’s eyes and should love and treat others the way we want to be treated.

I want to raise my children in a world where the cops keep us safe and are good, and when they are not, they are held accountable for their actions and removed from that position. I want my children to feel safe and feel free to talk about their religion without being labeled an evil person because our beliefs may not fit those beliefs or lifestyles of others. We can disagree and live peacefully. That is my hope anyways.

Also, Being a Republican does not mean you believe and agree with every other Republican in the world. As well being a Democrat does not mean you agree with everything any other Democrat says or does. We are all individual people who think for ourselves, we may identify with a certain party because our beliefs or moral compass aligns more with one party, but that does not define a person completely.

Lastly if you are reading this very long post, I appreciate your time. And also know that I want to spread positivity and love. I am not here to judge, ridicule or argue with others. I just want to be a person who is honest and real with you guys.

Much Love,

Dana

Wearing my regular size “small” but dress runs large so I think an extra small would fit better. It would be hard to wear a bra but LOVE this dress!

Wearing an extra small but my regular size is a small and a small would probably fit well too.

Wearing an extra small but my normal size is a small. So runs slightly large.

Wearing an extra small and fits perfectly. My normal size is small.

This is a small but I think I could have sized up to a medium. Runs small.

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Real talk…Everyone has their own struggles and worries. Some more than others. I struggle with anxiety. But I believe all of our feelings are valid, even if someone doesn’t understand or agree. I worry about everything and everyone. In this picture above I am turning my head and pretending my husband isn’t taking pictures of me as a neighbor drives by. Why? Because I don’t want to be judged for creating content for a fashion blog. I worry about our country, my kids, my job, my friends being upset, or silly things like my house staying clean. So many insignificant things but, also some important things that matter to me. Everyone judges people (including me, although I am actively trying to stop). People judge you by your skin color (black, white, latino, chinese etc), your religion or lack of religion, your job, your hobbies, your political stance. But all of these things do not define you, everyone has several layers. Just because someone doesn’t agree with something you feel passionate about, it doesn’t mean they are a bad person or they should be judged and persecuted by you. An old saying but so true for every day life, treat others how you want to be treated. Do you want to be judged/labeled by your skin color/job/political stance, etc? I wish we could focus more on being a kind, understanding and loving human beings and less on other peoples flaws or what we perceive to be their flaws. Let’s love each other and try to respectfully disagree and have civil conversations, instead of attacking each other. My heart aches for our country and this world my boys are growing up in. I want my children to be kind and love everyone, even if they don’t agree with others on some things. This is what I want for all of us. Let’s be compassionate , understanding, caring and loving. I love you all and my prayer is for our country to come together and stop this hate that is spreading faster than any virus can. Choose love! 🥰

*****DISCLAIMER***** I do not always live by these habits/rules… but for the most part I try to keep a routine and do my best! J

Working Out: I think everyone should have some kind of cardio in their life, even if it is fast pace walking or just walking, when I am sick, or injured for whatever reason and I can’t have some kind of cardio in my life I immediately notice a difference in my waist line and most importantly in how my jeans/pants fit!!! So I try to have some kind of cardio about 6 days a week. I prefer to run, but sometimes the weather does not permit or I just need to give my legs a break and I get on the elliptical for 20-30 minutes, longer if I have time on days the weather does permit I try to run at least 3 miles. Now goals, I want to start adding more weights, crunches, etc. to my routine but I always feel limited on time and I don’t want to give up any of my cardio so that means I have to wake up earlier… which is also very hard, momma likes sleep. Anyways, I plan my days I want to run/elliptical or what days I plan on taking a break, so that really helps motivate me to keep up with my work out routine.

Eating Healthy and Low Carb: I will NEVER give up carbs, I love my bread, sweets, and wine all too much. But I do try to watch how much I eat. Sometimes I eat burgers with no bun. Sometimes I eat pizza bowls instead of pizza or chicken alfredo with broccoli instead of noodles. Sometimes I have the bun, the noodles, the fries, and all the things. I think what is most important is doing everything in moderation. Easier said than done. I am a hungry person, so I don’t want just a couple of M&Ms I want the whole bag. So what really helps me is planning my meals for the week, just a list of what I plan for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack etc. All things are subject to change because, well that’s life. But it helps me if I know what days are going to be considered my cheat days versus healthy days to maintain some sense of self control when deciding what I am going to eat.

Loving yourself and your body: I have a really hard time with this, as most women do. We always see the flaws, and focus on the negatives and it’s hard to see the good when you are so focused on what you want to change or do not like about yourself. I am a WORRIER about everything. Am I being a good mother, wife, friend, worker? Am I taking care of my body? Why is my stomach so flabby even though I am constantly running and working out? (oh yeah… WINE, CHEESE, CHOCOLATE) LOL! Am I giving my children enough love and attention. Did I just smile at the person that walked past me? LOL seriously it’s a problem. But my goal is to love myself more, and worry less. Focus on the positive and let go what you can’t control. If “abs” were that important to me I could probably give up the sweets… but I won’t. I love them too much. So I need to be happy with myself and my choices and just do the best that I can. And I don’t mean that I give up trying to stay healthy, take care of my body or be a better mother, wife, friend, etc… But I just want to focus on what I can change and what I truly want to change and be happy with what I have and not worry about everything else that I cannot control. I.E. Other peoples actions, words, etc. Anyways, I am a work in progress so I will let you know how it goes! 😉

Here are a couple of pics featuring my new necklace from 6thBoroughBoutique. I do not really wear necklaces much anymore, but I really love this one from this boutique! My husband has become my new photographer lately 😂 and although fashion isn’t really his thing he has been so supportive of me starting this whole blog/instagram thing! I feel slightly ridiculous posing for pictures by myself, but it is also kind of fun. I love fashion and it’s fun sharing great buys and also investment purchases to anyone who is interested. Speaking of, if you like this necklace go check out 6thBoroughBoutique’s site. If you use my code “alwaysshoppingla” you will receive 15% off and a free necklace! 🙌