source: Melissa's Merchandise

I love scarves. Since fall is nearing closer, I thought I would share a few from my online boutique. If you love scarves, check out my boutique for this year's latest trends. There are even a couple of scarves with studded skulls on them. So cute! Be sure to register as my customer for a chance to win $25 in free jewelry or accessories. I plan on randomly choosing a registered customer in the next couple of weeks. More to come!

What are your favorites scarves from my boutique?

EASY CHICKEN FAJITAS

Ingredients: 

1 pk. Simple Truth Chicken Tenders

1 Tbsp of extra virgin olive oil or coconut oil 

1 medium red onion

1 red or yellow bell pepper

1 tsp red pepper flakes
handful of Bella mushrooms

1 tsp Mrs. Dash Southwest Chipotle Seasoning

1 tsp pepper

1/2 tsp salt

1 clove of garlic minced 

juice of 1 lime

Your favorite fajita toppings

flour/corn tortillas

Instructions: 

Open the package of Simple Truth Chicken Tenders and cut into 1" cubes. Place the oil in a saute pan and set burner to medium high heat. Once the oil is heated place the tenders gently in the pan. Add the garlic and sprinkle1/2 tsp of the red pepper flakes and Mrs. Dash evenly over one side of the chicken. While the chicken browns cut the vegetables into strips and set aside until ready to use. Turn the chicken pieces over and season with the remaining red pepper flakes and Mrs. Dash to fully coat the chicken and maximize flavor. Once the chicken is nearly cooked through (about 7 minutes) place the strips of onion and bell pepper and mushrooms into the pan. Add salt and pepper and stir the ingredients to incorporate the flavors together. Once the chicken is tender and white throughout and the veggies are slightly browned remove from heat. Add the juice of 1 lime over all of the ingredients and do one final stir. Serve immediately with or without warm tortillas and other toppings. Makes about 5 to 6 small fajitas.

-Enjoy with a margarita and some tortilla chips and you have yourself one awesome fiesta! 

Try out this recipe and let me know what you think!

A FEW THINGS ABOUT ME...

FOUR FAVORITES: FALL

Here are my four favorites for fall.

photo // sweater // tunic (not original source) // Starbucks

I think that crunchy leaves are one of the more beautiful parts of fall, along with the crisp air. I am a sucker for the studded sweaters and I love the flowy comfort of a tunic. Both items can be worn with skinny jeans and boots, or leggings and boots. And Starbucks lattes? Need I say more. Make mine a grande, non-fat, pumpkin spice, please.

What do you love about fall? 

Linking up with Ashlyn + Kristin for Four Favorites.

EVERYBODY

Lyrics by Taylor Swift

Despite what others think I am not one to go with the crowd. Not that I want to completely rebel, but I just have my own way of doing things. I know that people tend to gravitate towards what is cool and pretty. I have to reign it in sometimes too. I see what others have and lose my mind trying to find a way to have it too. I have to remember to be content what what I have and who I am.

Do you struggle with being content? How do you handle it?

STOCK

source: Lauren Conrad

Making : memories
Cooking : healthy meals. this weight is coming off if it kills me!
Drinking : lots of water, tea, and coffee (PSL's too)
Reading: news on my iPad
Wanting: a new phone. #firstworldproblems
Looking: for love and faith
Playing: music. constant music.
Wasting: time every night pinning
Sewing: heart strings
Wishing: for a fall wardrobe
Enjoying: time with family when I can
Waiting: on the great things to come
Liking: gold; lots of gold everything
Wondering: when I can take a vacation
Loving: this top 

Hoping: things will begin to calm down soon
Marvelling: God's unfailing grace and mercy. much needed lately

Needing: a hug most days

Smelling: fall candles are already burning
Wearing: flats and cropped pants
Following: blogs. always.

Noticing: how the temperatures are cooler in the morning. Yay!
Knowing: I will be okay

Thinking: I have so much to be thankful for
Feeling: frustrated, happy, sad, angry, all of the above right now
Bookmarking: this blog 

Opening: my heart

Giggling: watching "Along Came Polly". I forgot how funny that movie is. New Girl//Mindy Project//2 Broke Girls. Basically, TV shows.

Found this blog and wanted to join in.

BLACK & WHITE

Top // Loafers // Necklace // Skirt

Source

Black & White is such a classic look. I think that the contrast is simple, but elegant. I am actually thinking of redoing my bedroom in black & white very soon. Of course, I love wearing black and white and I think this trend will be around for many more generations. 

Do you like the black and white trend? 

Linking up with Kristin + Ashlyn for Four Favorites.

COFFEE DATE

Can we just talk about relationships for a minute? 

I love these times when blogging becomes a bucket to catch every little drop of my soul I can squeeze out of me. Instead of trends, TV shows, and make up products, can we talk about real life? I just want to have a coffee date if you will.

Life lately has been utterly frustrating for me. Not only am I still knee deep in a divorce, but I have been thinking back at all of my failed relationships and asked myself some really difficult questions.

Why did these relationships fail? Is everyone just better off when I am out of their life? What is it about me I can look at, analyze, and change? Was I that bad of a wife? 

source: Minted

All of these questions are 1. normal, but 2. are necessary. I don't think it's bad to really take a moment, or 6 months, and really look at how I am connecting with the other people in my life.  I think for the most part I am an understanding person. I think I have compassion. I think I care A LOT, maybe too much? I think that I listen well, but I also want to offer advice (warranted or not). Not because I think I am always right, but because I care. I want to walk away from a conversation feeling like I made a difference or helped the other attain some ground in their lives. I am a doer and a thinker. If there is something to be done to help, I certainly want to do that. I am super analytical and want to solve problems. I also want to listen to others' hearts and tune into what they need. I hate not knowing what I want, and I want others to know what they want as well. I don't appreciate lies or any form of deceit. It wastes my time and makes me feel like I am not worth telling the truth to. This is me.

source: Pinterest (no source)

I would love to be in a community with people who allow people to be who they are. Broken, screwed up, and desperate for wholeness. I think we are all in this boat. Therefore, no one should feel alienated from it. I want to be able to share my heart and soul with others. I also desire this in my next romantic relationship, and I think that's okay. It's okay to desire those things for my future. I am not about to throw away everything I was raised to be know and be. I have morals, standards, and values, even if others feel like they are no longer necessary. I am not going to apologize for that, and I don't think I should feel I have to.

source: Piccsy

I am someone who enjoys laughter and wants to laugh really laugh everyday. I want to have friends that are sincere, trustworthy, and caring. I want to be able to see who I am with those around me. I know that I may have a failed marriage, but I am going to succeed with the remaining relationships in my life. I am determined to see the good in all of this. Even if all of this doesn't make sense yet.

source: Pinterest (no source)

OBSESSED WITH GOLD

source: Glitter Guide

Let's talk about glitter and gold. I am seeing this trend everywhere. I find this photo to be rather inspiring. I think that polka dots have a classic feel and gold gives it a modern twist.

source: The Jew in J.Crew

source: Apartment 34

source: Society6

source: Chloe Rose Boutique

 I think that gold and glitter is so pretty, inspiring, and bold. I enjoy finding items that give a space a little sparkle. I hope this trend is here to stay for a long time.

Are you loving the glitter/gold trend?

Melissa's Merchandise Winner!
If you registered to be my customer on my jewelry site, I have chosen a winner via Random.org. 
If your email address is RBFRIZZELL{at}YAHOO{dot}COM- you have won a $25 to Melissa's Merchandise! Another random winner will be selected soon, so to win free jewelry, register at my online boutique here. As always, thank you to those who've registered!

BLOGGING LIFE

source: Etsy

I have been doing this blogging thing for a number of years. I enjoy it and I appreciate both it's simplicity and it's strive towards community. I enjoy sharing pieces of my life with you and I enjoy the feedback. I was reading a post that sparked something inside of me and made me (once again) evaluate my passion and purpose for blogging.

What is it about blogging that makes my heart go pitter patter? 

Well, in some ways it gives me an outlet. I have so many thoughts that run through my head and so many ideas that it helps to have some place for them to go. Pinterest has also enabled me to get more inspired for this here blog.

Blogging gives me a sense of community. I have found a lot of support from the blogging community since my divorce went public back in May/June. People weren't putting me down or condescending. Everyone was so uplifting and encouraging. It actually helped me to get out of bed some days.

Blogging helps others. I have met some awesome bloggers that really try to make a difference with their blogs. Praying for others, raising funds, helping small business owners, etc. I think with blogging there is another avenue for people to bring awareness to issues and hope to the hopeless.

Blogging offers me a little extra cash. Divorce is expensive and it helps to have a few extra dollars. For the most part this goes to further advertisement of my new blog or to an extra expense that pops up. I work hard for my blog and hard for the money. Even if its $3. I just love blogging that much! It also gives me a way to launch my new business!

I love blogging and all that comes with it. I devote hours each night to my posts and also to growing my new Virtual Studio. That is why I want to help other bloggers be successful. It's in my DNA to problem solve, organize, and mark things off of my and your To Do list.

Why do you love blogging/reading blogs?

LEATHER

leather jacket / leather dress / leather necklace / leather shirt 

Leather is such a big trend right now. I am really thinking of splurging on at least one leather piece for fall and winter. I think it's fun to pair leather with a really feminine piece like lace or a floral skirt. 

What are your leather favorites? Are you embracing the leather trend?

Linking up with Kristin + Ashlyn for Four Favorites.

FOR THE OFFICE

I am not sure if it is my love for blogging or office supplies (probably both), but lately I have been obsessing over office pretties. The picture above shows all of my current loves from the place I love, Target. I think in order to be productive whether it's paying bills, blogging, or just working from home, a clean, pretty workspace is essential. I also think a candle helps to cozy up the space and sends my mind reeling.

I love office supplies! Seriously.

What are your office essentials?

FAVORITE HANDMADE SHOPS

source | edited: Melissa Faye Blog

Rouge & Whimsy

JillianReneDecor

ArtByAndieB

The Double Dubs

Elisabeth Ashlie Jewelry

+ all items are pinned to my Handmade board

What are your favorite handmade shops?

PRETTY

source: Melissa Faye | edited: PicMonkey

I love pretty things. Pretty inspires people. Pretty makes me feel feminine and beautiful. Flowers, a pretty background, a well edited photo, piece of art, a pretty pair of shoes, glitter, fabric...

What inspires you?

To see all of the pretties I enjoy, follow me on Pinterest.

COFFEE BREAK

Do you like to make coffee drinks at home?

+follow me on Pinterest

MOMS WARDROBE ESSENTIALS

My sister is a stay at home mom and just the other day we were talking about moms who seem to always look put together. It can be a major feat for any mom, but if you are a mom looking for ways to tackle the day and look good doing it, you may want to pay attention to the information below! P.S. These looks can work for any woman because they are easy pieces that can be thrown on so you can get out the door and on with your day!

source | edited: MELISSA FAYE BLOG

Below are the essentials for any mom on-the-go or for the working mom. 

These are general items, and of course, your wardrobe can always expand to include your favorites!

+ all items can be found at Old Navy. 

Dresses: These are my favorite because they are a one piece item and can be paired with flats, heels, wedges, or boots. I opted for lighter fabrics that are machine washable.
Skirts: These are also easy and can be paired with a collared shirt, blouse, or cami and cardigan. I also love the flirty shape.
Athletic wear: I am not against a mom wearing athletic wear (hello, its comfy), as long as it involves exercising. If you run by the store after going to gym, or just need to run a few errands, by all means wear what you have on. Just be sure it coordinates and looks put together. A ratty old shirt and a pair of worn out sweat pants may not give you the look you are wanting.
Long Sleeved Tees: I love these with a pair of jeans and flats, or skinnies and boots. Either way accessorize with your favorite bag, watch or pair of stud earrings. You can be casual and still look like you put effort into your outfit. Plus, it gives you room to move when chasing the little ones!
Patterned Chambray: Chambray is a big trend right now and for good reason. They can be paired with darker denim, khakis, patterned ankle pants, skirts, etc. They are also comfortable.
Cardis & Hoodies: I am a big fan of cardigans both at home and running errands. I think cardigans look great with just about anything and if the color is neutral you can pair with all kinds of items in your wardrobe. Hoodies are also great for a rainy day, lounging at home, or exercising. I don't think moms have to be in a dress & heels all day everyday. Wearing a hoodie with jeans and chucks is okay too!

If you're a mom, what are you wardrobe favorites?

+ I was not compensated for this post. I genuinely love all items chosen.

RED

I understand that with this blogging thing there are some things that are meant to be private. I wholeheartedly agree. I have read a handful of posts and some were definitely too much, but of course that is only a matter of opinion. Some of you may think this is too much, but I think it can be beautiful to learn from others' heartbreaks. 

My heartbreak began in April of this year. Sure, nothing is perfect in marriage or in life, but I have to say that I definitely did not see this coming. I fell in love so hard and so quickly that I thought it would last forever. For those of you who are new in these parts, here's a brief timeline of my previous relationship...

Now, you may think, "Well, duh. You knew each other for like 5 minutes. Of course, you got divorced". But, on the contrary. I think we knew each other for the amount of time we needed. See, if I had known my ex for longer we may not have gotten married. As silly as this sounds, I do not regret getting married. I think it happened because we knew it was right, but as all things do, things started to change. Our relationship began to evolve and things that were once top priority began taking a backseat. I have learned that those little things people talk about in marriage seminars really do add up. Whether they are good or bad, they add up over time and can either make or break a relationship. 

In my case, little truths began popping up. Things, habits, struggles I didn't know were there began to turn their ugly heads. For quite some time I began to feel uneasy and anxious. I felt that something was wrong, but couldn't quite figure out what it was. I began to think it was me. I wasn't good enough, skinny enough, pretty enough, smart enough, kind enough, bubbly enough...Never, ever enough. I should have known that it wasn't me, but how do you know until you know? 

This year everything (that I know of) has come to the surface. I am smarter, stronger, and better for it, trust me. The hardest part about being divorced and under 30 is feeling like it will always be this way. I now have a scar that can never fully heal. I know I am not the only one in this population, especially in the Christian community, but it doesn't make it any easier. I am literally taking it one day at a time. Sometimes, one step.

Thank you, Taylor Swift. Thank you for your relatable words. Even if you have crazy eyes...

LEOPARD

+all items can be found at LOFT

Linking up with Kristen + Ashlyn for Four Favorites.

What are your favorite leopard items?

IN CONTROL

God in control doesn't mean that I don't have a say in what happens in my life. I think that God being in control is about me giving up my worries, fears, and stresses about the future.

My favorite verse right now is...

What is your life verse right now?

LABOR DAY

Be back tomorrow!

Enjoy time with friends and family and soak in that last drop of Summer!

See you tomorrow, friends.

SCARVES FOR EVERY LOOK

source: Kitsy Lane

I love scarves for just about any season. I think they look great with a pair of skinnies and a tee or with a little black dress. Whatever your style there is sure to be a scarf that can complete your look! I mentioned last week that I sell jewelry, but other accessories including scarves can be found in my shop as well. You can find my favorites here and here. Just be sure to register as my customer and on September 15 I will be choosing one lucky registered customer to get $25 worth of free products!

So head here to get registered. It could be your ticket to free accessories!