I might've gone a tad overboard (that's right...already snuck in a pun!) shopping for this cruise. Chase said I could, so that's my defense! My general philosophy on clothing is to buy it cheap, take good care of it, and by the time you're tired of it, it's probably out of style anyway. You won't catch me buying anything designer because I just don't care about whose name is on it if my body looks good in it.
Some of my favorite cruise-specific purchases:
This hat (which is now 30% off, and I'm kicking myself for paying full price and not saving my receipt!) from Target (you can't buy it online, so no link)
If you're pale like I am, you need sun protection in all of its various forms! High school and college were times of some not-so-judicious choices for me where my skin is concerned. Did I mention my parents owned a boat? To keep from ending up like Mama Elsa (thanks, Bravo, for this one)...
...I wear a sun hat. And LOTS of sunscreen.
Recently, I've decided a black bikini is a staple because you can mix/match it with ANYTHING, and I've loved doing that this season. I bought this duo from Kohl's a couple of years ago:
I couldn't find an exact pic of the top, but it's basically like this one
Bottom
My tops of choice to add this season are also from Kohl's
Apparently this white one is sold out online, but I found mine in a store
Turquoise is in both tops, so I decided to get a turquoise bottom too
Coverage is of utmost importance these days, so I splurged on a few things:
Dress or skirt cover-up (I've tried it on, and it really is good as either)
My biggest splurge of all...gorgeous white, linen pants (from Kohl's again! They always get me!)
Of course, what's a great skirt or pant without a wedge?! This time, I went cheap so I could wear them to the pool guilt-free. Payless. On sale and BOGO. Plus, sign up for member rewards and get a 20% off coupon.
Is it Sunday, yet?!
With all of this Facebook hype about "Sibling Day" yesterday and today (y'all know one person posted one picture, and now it's officially Sibling Day), I thought it'd be a good excuse to brag about my awesome family.
This was the only picture of all of us I could access today.
My big brother, Danny, aka Bubba, aka Deputy Barnes, is a hero. Seriously. He fights bad guys every day. Just a few weeks ago, he kept a real bad guy from hurting his fellow officers (and anyone else) by taking him down when he didn't respond to directions. Even though no one got hurt, he could have been seriously injured. One of our favorite things to do is chat over all the interesting things about his job. Those stories fascinate and worry me simultaneously. I've been privileged over the last couple of years to see the strong and gentle way he's led our whole family. There have been some rough times for us, but he trusts in the Lord for his strength. He's a fantastic father, son, husband, and brother. I don't know what this family would do without him. I'm so proud of him.
Deborah, my oldest sister, practically raised me...so you know she has the patience of a saint. She is smart, athletic, and has always been my role model. I remember, when she was valedictorian of her class, that I thought I should be so smart just like she is. She inspired me to do my best and work hard in school (as trite as that may sound). A wonderful mommy (probably since she had so much practice), she has raised two pretty awesome kids. When times get tough, and they've been tough, she doesn't quit. She just keeps seeking her peace in the Lord. I mentioned it jokingly before, but she is so faithful in waiting on the Lord's timing. She does not lose her temper easily and is rarely flustered. She has a gentle and quiet spirit, and the unfading beauty of that spirit shines through her.
It's no secret that Susan and I had a rough start. Knowing how stubborn I am now, I can only imagine what her ten-year-old mind thought of my two-year-old self. When she begged my mom for a baby, I'm pretty sure she had in mind a perfectly peaceful little doll who would let her do her hair and dress her. She got me. Now, when I look at my strong, intelligent, hilarious sister, I see so much of what I'd like to become. I admire the way she goes at life with passion. She never stops learning, and every time I'm with her, she surprises me with some other interesting thing she knows about the human body or her profession as a speech therapist. I can't tell you how accomplished she is. She loves a good practical joke...don't I know it? I will never forget Susan and Deborah dumping freezing water on my head once when I was in the shower. My horror-movie shriek must've left their ears ringing for days! We always laugh when we're together. She's also a great mommy (she's come a long way from her "Slapdancing" days...let's just say a hairbrush/microphone across the face stings), and her kids' lives are full of fun and giggles. Her passion for the Lord has also inspired me, and she always has a new, challenging perspective to change the way I see the world.
This turned into a bit of a long post, but I am blessed with more siblings than most people! Thanks to my mom and dad as well for raising such great kids to help raise me! Love you all!
