Big Rocks

We all have 1,440 minutes in each day--time to use or waste. Sometimes it feels like time drags on forever, and other times it seems to fly by..(ahem, this year, for instance) What is it that you're doing with your time? Are you making progress? Do you schedule your life according to your priorities, or does your schedule dictate your priorities? How are you using your time? 

As the holiday season is just around the corner, and my calendar is beginning to fill up with events and appointments, it's easy to get stressed. To avoid that, I've been thinking about wisely using my time...and I'll admit that I've wasted more minutes than I should doing things that don't benefit anything (Facebook, anyone?) but today is a new day..another 1,440 minutes that I can choose to invest to better my life and the ones of those around me. Let's make that decision and wisely schedule our time! 

Here's a little story that I came across and found interesting. 

"A teacher once brought a one-gallon can into his classroom and set it before his students. He placed 5 large rocks in the can, filling it to the brim. Showing the can to his students, he asked, "Is this can full?" They all nodded yes. 

"No it's not," the teacher said, "the can is barely half-filled." Then he took out a bag of gravel and poured it into the space around the rocks. Next he produced a bag of sand and poured it into the nooks and crannies around the gravel. Finally, he pulled out a bottle of water and slowly poured it in the can until it reached the top. 

"Now the can is full," the teacher said. "But here's the real question: What does this teach you about your busy schedule?" 

The students thought for a moment. Then one girl said, "It shows you that no matter how full your schedule, there's always room for more." 

"That's not quite it," the teacher responded. "It should teach you that unless you put in the big rocks first, they'll never fit." "

(all photos via tumblr)

Most of us have a lot to do, people to meet, and places to see, but ask God today to give you the wisdom to use your time wisely. Make sure those "big rocks" or priorities get into your schedule first, otherwise "they'll never fit".

Have a wonderful (and productive) day!

-Candice

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Styled: Ankle Boots

(Top: LOFT (old), Shorts: H&M, Tights: TJMaxx, Boots: CottonOn, Necklace: Juicy Couture)

I love the look of a thick tweed short paired with tights, especially in such a fun plum color! To keep the look soft, I paired the shorts with a pale pink button blouse. Some simple accessories like a long gold necklace and pearl earrings look fresh and pretty but don't distract. --C

(Sweater: F21, Jeans: F21, Necklace: Juicy Couture, Earrings: Kate Spade, Clutch: Thrifted, Boots: CottonOn)

I wanted to work with the balance of volume for this look. A oversized comfy sweater in a chunky knit stripe looks great when paired with a dark wash skinny jean. Sparkling jewels and a gold clutch are the finishing touches that make this outfit perfect for coffee dates or an early dinner with friends. --L

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Chambray, 3 Ways

One of the best ways to maximize your wardrobe is to re-imagine pieces you already own. I like to try and create three outfits with a particular piece, which makes getting dressed oh so simple! Today, my sister & I styled a classic, chambray shirt a few different ways..taking you from a girls night out to a casual day of classes. 

(Top: TJMaxx, Skirt: F21, Shoes: Pour la Victoire, Clutch: Ulta, Necklace: Dillards)

DENIM & LACE

Denim gets a glamorous update when paired with a chantilly lace skirt in shades of onyx and blush. A few pleats and a delicate inky ruffle peeking out from underneath balance the utility feel of the chambray. To continue the feminine feel of the outfit, I chose a pair of jet black suede pumps and a sparkling statement necklace. For a night out, I'd rather not take a big bag, so a metallic clutch in a muted gold is understated yet still very chic. 

(Top: F21, Jeans: F21, Shoes: Toms, Necklace: Anna & Ava, Earrings: Kate Spade)

DENIM ON DENIM

Denim on denim is one of the hot trends for fall; however, it tends to be a tricky one to pull off. I have found that the easiest way to wear this style is to play with opposites. For this look I put together a casual light wash chambray shirt with tailored and sleek dark wash skinny jeans. By using fitted pants with a looser top, you can achieve a nice balance, and the contrast between dark and light, tones down the denim on denim effect. To add length to the silhouette, I added dark wedges, and to finish off the look, I wore a white gem statement necklace, sparkling earrings,  and a chic and easy ponytail. 

(Top: TJMaxx, Pants: H&M, Shoes: Pour la Victoire, Necklace: F21, Bag: Steve Madden)

DENIM & PRINT

Printed pants have been everywhere this season, and to be honest, I've been a little wary of the trend until I found this cute, cropped pair at H&M. The print is just right and the burgundy color is so of the moment. This outfit is so simple; however, the details look thoughtful, making it the perfect outfit to choose when you're crunched for time. When worn with the chambray top and a patent cross-body bag, you're ready for a trip to the museum, brunch or a day of classes. 

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Effortless Beachy Waves

Hello all! I'm Dulce from The Dulce Taylor Blog, and today I'm going to show you guys a quick and easy tutorial on a beach wave hair spray that will give your hair that just-off-the-beach look, not matter where you are! If you're like me, your hair is not straight and perfect. Summer is the time when we want to be doing, well, summery things, not fussing with our hair (do we ever?). Beach waves are the ideal summer look, but unless your hair is naturally and perfectly wavy, those waves can take time to get and may come with a lot of frizz. 

Thankfully, my crafty and beauty-savvy mother helped me come up with this awesome (and inexpensive) hair spray that gives my hair an effortless beach wave look. And it's super easy to make! Here's what you'll need to buy:

1. Epsom salt (look in the pharmacy section at Walmart)

2. Any brand of water-based hair gel

3. Spray bottle (I found this one in the Art section at Hobby Lobby)

You won't use all of the salt or the gel, but you will have some left over to use for extra spray when you run out! All together, this cost me $5.

1. Heat half a cup of water in the microwave for one minute. Then mix 3 teaspoons of Epsom salt and stir until dissolved.

2. Add 3 squirts of hair gel and mix well.

3. Pour into a spray bottle.

Just spray on your damp or dry hair and scrunch with your fingers. If wet, just let you hair air dry for natural, beach-y waves. Enjoy!

To check out more my blog, click here. To see my mother's blog, click here. 

xoxo,

Dulce

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