Queenies Little Kingdom

This weekend we planned our entire free time around watching the newly released American Sniper movie.  My hubby read Chris Kyle's book way back when it was first released.  He was so moved by the story that he would stop and share with me some of the most incredible parts.  The reality of what our military do on a daily basis can be a little overwhelming.  Chris Kyle's job, even more so.

Chris Kyle was an American sniper.  He trained to be a Navy Seal that specialized in the job of sharp shooter.  His skills went above the norm as he was known among all servicemen as The Legend.  He never set out to be a superstar among his fellow military….but he clearly became one.  The job of sniper comes with a heavy price.

When news of the movie release came along, hubby asked if I wanted to read it together (we listen on audio in the car) before we went to see it in theatres!  Our trip to Texas was the perfect time to hear it together and be ready for the weekend opening.

We headed into Paris to eat dinner and buy our tickets…..we were there about an hour early and all the showings were already sold out.  Did I mention, we're in TEXAS?  Chris Kyle's home state?  Everybody in this state must have spent this weekend seeing it.  We went back the next day (EARLY again) and pre-bought our tickets and sat in a packed theatre waiting to see one of the greatest movies ever played on the big screen.

I won't pretend it was easy to watch.  Knowing how Chris Kyle's life was taken in such a pathetic and evil way…..sticks with you throughout the movie.  It's difficult to comprehend such a thing could happen after the constant danger he lived through while serving 4 different tours of duty.

I feel honored that men like Chris Kyle do what they do (for me and for you).  It's an ugly way of serving our country and it reminds me how little many who live freely in America respect the men & women who do it with such generosity.  Since watching the movie on Saturday…..I've read several disgusting articles from celebs and the like speaking out against Chris Kyle and other military people negatively.  It's the lowest form of disrespect (to me).  What these service-minded people do for our country (for such pathetic pay and of course no glory) cannot even be talked about in the same light as the immoral garbage spewed out by these rich hateful big mouths.  It's appalling!

A lesson for each of us whether we agree with war or not would be to show respect to those who give their very lives for our freedom to feel that way.  No other job can compare to what these giving people do.  It's a shame and embarrassment to see people of status humiliate and degrade true servants!

Perhaps the sell-out showings and the 90.2 million earnings from this weekend's opening of the movie will be just the RESPECT that our military deserve!  GO SEE IT!  But… more than that, don't miss a chance to lift up and support those in uniform!

God,

Thank you for the ones courageous enough to protect and serve our country.  Protect them and give their families peace knowing what they do….is the greatest sacrifice.

Amen

Every girl knows….accessories take a regular drab outfit to WOW, WHERE'D YOU GET THAT?  When I scroll through Instagram…. jewelry, handbags, boots and vests are usually what stop me in my tracks to linger over the look.

I'm all about accessorizing to kick my wardrobe up a notch! 

I've found a few sweet pieces every gal needs to take that boring look to awesome!

Simple Bar Necklace with Heart

Valentines Day is right around the corner and who wouldn't love a personalized handstamped custom necklace.  Made with Love will customize any phrase, name or saying just for you!  Love all her pieces!  This necklace is $24!

Oversized Plaid Blanket Scarf

Blanket scarves are all the rage right now.  Every site I shop seems to sell out lickety split.  This one is a great plaid reversible and they have many color choices!  $22.99

I Heart Texas Necklace

In honor of my stay in Texas, I can't pass up a chance to share some Texas love!  These are so cute and only $9.99

Black Clover stud earrings

Aren't these pretty?  Love the look of black against the face.  These sweet studs are $3.99

Dory Bow Grey Floppy Hat

If you have a good hat head…this is adorable!  I love the chic look of a floppy hat!  $28.50

Clodagh Floral Cluster Necklace

Statement necklaces are a tricky item.  Choosing the right one can be intimidating!  The color choices are endless and unless you want to buy many to compliment all your wardrobe changes….picking a few special colors can really enhance your outfits.  I like the soft colors of this one (perfect for a grey tee and jeans look) and it can go with a dressier oufit as well.  $18.98  FOR REAL!!

Ursula Faux Fur Black Snood

I have a girl that is very fond of a little fur around her neck!  This one is classic!  $30.40

Collared Maxi Cardigan

This is a gorgeous cardigan and YES, I consider it an accessory must have!  The grey is beautiful too!  It's $19.00  THAT'S NINETEEN DOLLHAIRS, Y'ALL!!!

Sole Society Round Floral Crystal Bracelet

Okay, mama want!!!!  I love this bracelet!  It's gorgeous!  $34.95

Sperry Saltwater Striped Duck Boots

How adorable are these water boots?  I love the stripes and these are on sale $80 big ones!

Moon and Lola Annabel Oval Monogrammed Bracelet

The choices are a plenty in color here.  These monogrammed bracelets are for the girl who loves a trendy look.  Uhh, yep…that's me!  At a fancy price of $85

As you can see, I tend to pick items that I would wear personally.   You may not see anything in my list that flitters your flutter.  That's okay.  Acccessories come in every style imaginable.  Mine just happens to be a little conservative.  I never have full courage to get too crazy.  So, I stick to simpler items to jazz up my look!

Don't be afraid to add something new!  Get out there, accessorize…people!

It's one of those days….the car is packed.   The dogs are loaded.   The book on cd is playing.

And we're flying down the highway!

In honor of Chris Kyle,  we're listening to American Sniper.  Looking forward to seeing the movie on Friday. 

Texas bound.  

Hopefully you're having a kickin' hump day.   I'm glad to leave the single digit weather behind for a while.  

Stay warm friends!

I remember being a young, full of life, invincible, know-it-all girl.  Nothing or no one could stop me from doing exactly what I wanted.  I thought I was smart.  I convinced myself that I knew just what was best for me.  When someone older than me gave advice…..I laughed at the absurdity and the old out of time knowledge.

I was brilliant.

Only the truth was —  that I was foolish and wreckless.  My mistakes would be around a long time (try infinity) and my naive thinking would land me with a heart full of regret!

For me, God had a great redemption plan.  Before I could totally destroy my life he would recover me and restore me and put me on the path to victory.  For all intended purposes, I managed to pull myself together and CHOOSE the best future for myself.  But make no mistake, it wasn't of my own doing….IT WAS GOD'S! 

I was saved from a life of misery but not without some deep forever bruises.

I'm 48 years old now.  I see youth in a much more mature light (funny how that works).  Sadly, I'm surrounded with young friends who are living for the moment and suffering the consequences every single day.  Yet, for most of them….they're not learning any real life lessons.  Just blame or revenge or denial that they've played any part in their big mess ups!  Every day on Facebook I read heartbreaking posts from jilted girls or miserable single mothers having issues with ex-boyfriends and I just want to cry.  Don't think I'm just picking on promiscuous chicks here either.  Guys are breaking a lot of rules here too.  Afterall, somebody's getting these girls pregnant and or living out of wedlock with them.  They own just as much of the problem here as the girls.  However, my heart is really concerned for the young women who give themselves away with no thought in the world.

I have news for you and I'm very sorry to say…..

NEVER DOES IT WORK IN YOUR FAVOR!

See, what you're ignoring or purposefully choosing not to see is that your actions have consequences and very very often….those consequences are GIGANTIC!  What probably started out as a little bit of fun turns very serious and extremely life-changing without so much as a text later.

But don't let me lead you to believe that ONLY PREGNANCY is your biggest issue to fear.  Your very heart is at stake!  Your willingness to cheat (what scripture says is the perfect plan for you) and do whatever you want with whomever you want will haunt you for life.  It will go with you, every day for the rest of your long life.  You will take every lover, every party, every big mistake right into your marriage.  It will always hang over you.

Tell me, why?  Why would you be willing to give up your future joy and peace for a fun romp with a cute guy?  If I asked, many of you would even tell me….it wasn't even that fun of a romp (for you).

One thing you can count on…..

The guy who values you, the one who will treasure you….the one who will die trying to protect and save YOUR HONOR wouldn't ask you to be his booty call or to move in together.  No, that's another guy — he's the guy doesn't give a rip.  He doesn't have the slightest bit of concern over your heart or your value as a woman and he certainly doesn't have the courage or integrity to be the father of your children.

Listen, if you are someone who's choosing to live in the moment and letting the chips fall where they fall.  BEWARE!  You are harming yourself in a very big way.  Every time you give up a little more of yourself…..you crush a special piece of your future and of the relationship you will (hopefully) one day have with your spouse.

Stop and think about what you really want.  It's probably not a broken heart for you or your future hubby!

Good things whisper. … bad things shout!

It's Moanday, I mean Monday….and I have to work!  I have zero right to complain though.  For the entire month of January….I'm only working 2 days.  To top it off, the weather is horrible so I'm actually on a 2hr delay!

It is rough being a substitute who works when she darn well pleases!

Let me tell you though….the weather has been none too kind to my area of Indy.  We have been blanketed with a huge snow storm that hasn't melted and last night we got lucky and the sleet and ice pelted us.  So if there's any danger in Indiana, it is located right where I live and drive.

My drive to work today….will be dicey!

Again, I'm leaving for sunny warm Texas in 2 days….so I can take it a few more in the snow and ice!

This weekend was special.  We had NOTHING pressing us like we normally do and instead of laying around on the couch, we jetted off for a triple dinner date with our girls and their fellas!  That's how I like to spend my weekends.

With the people I love.

I hope your weekend was just as awesome!  Happy Monday, wherever you are!

I spent most of Thursday in a purse coma.  I scoured the internet in hopes of finding something that would tickle my fancy.  I found lots of sweet cuddly lovely leather darlin's to fit the bill.  The only problem?  I don't want to spend a fortune.

Everybody knows a purse needs to look expensive but cost peanuts, right?  Unless, you're loaded!  Which I'm not…

Here's a few that I think anyone could fill with a ton of junk and dump in the floorboard of their car.  What?  You don't do that?  Weird.

Ivanka Trump Rebecca Satchel

I love the size and the shape.  Clearly it'll hold a bunch of important items and the price isn't horrible, $104.99  I'm not impressed that it's a fake leather.  But hey, someone else might not care.

Coach Soft Borough Bag Napa Leather

Here's the twinny to Ivanka's cheapo for all you Coach fans.  It's gorgeous!  I bet it feels like buttah!  Buttah the price?  A little squeezey in the pocket at $374.99  but hey, good news….it's regularly $468! 

Born Montesano Crossbody

I love this crossbody!  It's the perfect size for shopping.  You might be picking up on a trend, I'm in the market for a classic dark leather.  This is a great price for the quality of the bag too.  This is one of my favorite shoe brands so the purse has to be awesome, right?  $119.99

Dooney & Bourke Florentine Vachetta Satchel

Here's the one I'm calling Baby!  Because this baby needs me to love and care for it…for the rest of it's very long life!  If you've ever owned a Dooney then you know, they live forever!  It's a lot of dollhairs!! WORTH IT!!!  Promise!  $398

Florentine Tulip Shopper (Dooney & Bourke)

This roomy and classy shopper tote is on sale.  Again, it's way out of the $15 range of purses but if you're one of those gals who believes a good purse pays for itself (I'm a believer) then this might be the perfect bag!  $261.00

Frye Artisan Pocket Tote

Oh me oh my!  I do love Frye!!  This is a huge bag and if it's like the boots, it's a beast of a purse!  Costly, I warn ya…$314.99  It is so pretty!!

Ok, I'll end with the big kahuna of bags.  If money were no object, and it is for me so the answer is BIG FAT NO!  But this bag is perfection!  It is gorgeous!

Burberry "Medium Banner" House Check Leather Tote
 

A whopping $1395.00  

Whew, that's a lotta dough…Joe!  I can't even think of spending that kind of money on a purse.  Perhaps if I were making some money….instead of costing my hubby all the time.  Thanks babe, you never mind supporting me and all my habits!

Purses are personal, much like underwear.  Not everyone likes granny panties or boy boxers but most everybody uses both (purses & undies) and no matter what you like or how tiny your budget is….don't be afraid to try a new style.  Or spend a few bucks on something a little more expensive.

Stay tuned, next week….I'll focus on accessories and more for a Fashion Friday post.

Happy weekend!

DISCLAIMER:  I don't need a new purse!  I want one!  I need a treadmill!  I could always run on it while LOOKING at purses, right?