Girls Trip to Chicago

Last weekend I met my three friends in Chicago for a girls weekend. With 8 kids, husbands, careers, ministry, and lives that have a million things going on it was so fun to just get away together for three days. I met these girls when I was in college and we've been friends the last 13 years. We've seen each other through so many things; getting through college together, weddings, pregnancy, death of parents, I'm so thankful for each one of them. We haven't all been together for about 4 years. This time was overdue, welcomed and so needed. 

Three of us flew into Chicago and met at the airport, the other rode the train. And we all met downtown Chicago and an awesome hotel I found for us. Within walking distance to tons of food, shopping and the Pier. The first day we sat around a lunch table and talked for the longest time. Our day was filled with coffee, eating and talking! Chicago deep dish was on the must have list! 

Our second day Sara, Eunice and I got up early headed to the 27th floor workout room and go our sweat on. I loved having workout buddies! We spent the rest of the day shopping on Michigan Ave and ate lunch at Grand Lux Cafe'. 

Our third day we got up and spent the day at Navy Pier. We walked around, bought treasures for our kiddos, ate lunch and walked back to the hotel before it was time for us all to depart later that afternoon. 

Each evening we stayed up late chatting and playing Rook. I haven't played in years and needed a few refresher hands! I'm pretty sure my partner hated me those first few rounds. 

I can't even put into words how much these ladies bless me! I am so thankful for each of them. Our friendship over the years has seen its highs and lows. It's seen conflict, fun, laughter, peace and grown. I wouldn't be the woman I am today without them. They stretch me, challenge me, make me laugh and I trust them. A 13 year friendship that I know will go on and on. 

A weekend away with some of my best girlfriends was just what I need! I learn so much from them, and it was a great time of re connecting and laughing a lot! There are so many days that I wish that we could all just be together again in the same place, the same state and how much I miss those times. But I'm also so grateful that God has kept us together and kept our friendship over these years that when we see each other after a long time, and life takes us in all different directions we pick up right where we last saw each other. 

Common ground in the Lord is so sustaining for a friendship and I am beyond blessed by these friends! 

Have you taken a girls trip recently? Where did you go, what did you do? I'm already thinking about our next trip and declaring NOW that somewhere warm is a must! 

Living a Less Distracted Life Part II

In part 1 I talked a bit about the desire to live less distracted and what does that mean. Today I wanted to take some time to share with you some practical ways that I'm trying to live less distracted and how I'm accomplishing this.

This is going to probably look different for everyone but I just wanted to share some of my own experiences and I think it's good from time to time to ask ourselves these types or questions and examine our motives for things as well. 

A few practical things I've done in the last couple weeks to help me live less distracted and more open to what God has for me. 

Social Media Break: I decided that on the weekends I would take a break from social media. This has been so good for me, stepping away to look at other things in my life.

Month Spending Freeze: In March we took a family spending freeze. We only bought things that were necessary for living. We didn't spend money on entertainment, eating out, or clothing, etc during this time. We really wanted to take a look at our finances and see how much more we could save, and did a freeze to be un distracted during this time. 

Spending my time wisely: There's a lot of things that can easily take up my time if I let it. Recently I've been trying to be purposeful and intentional about what takes up my time. Saying "no" when I need to and really evaluating what things are taking me away from home, family and what matters. Making sure what I am doing is focused around my priorities and not becoming a distraction. 

Daily time with God: This is not something new for me, but I do believe that it's vital for me to live less distracted by having time in God's word, and spending time in prayer with Him. It helps keep me focused. 

Getting Rid of Clutter: I've been de cluttering the past few weeks. I've been participating in the #40Bagsin40Days challenge with White House Black Shutters. I hope to do a hole post about my 40 bags experience, but so far I will say that I think physical clutter has a lot to do with emotional clutter in our lives. It's freeing and less distracting to get rid of things and live simpler. 

The biggest thing I've learned during this time is that it's necessary to take a step back at times and evaluate life. Slow down even. Sometimes we get caught up in the busyness of life and it takes over and we can forget our purpose and priorities. Living life less distracted opens me up to hear God more and to see more of what he wants to teach me during this season of life.

My Everyday Make-Up Routine

My Everyday Make-Up Routine by andreaworley featuring Neutrogena

My everyday make-up routine is pretty simple and everything can be found at your local Target! I've experimented a lot over the years with different brands this is what I'm currently using on an everyday basis. All my products are drug store brands, I've used department store make up as well over the years, but my more recent routine I'm trying experiment with a few drug store brands and see how I like them. Recently I've been trying the L'OREAL True Match Mineral powder, the jury is still out on it as I've only been using it for a couple weeks. Last Summer I started using BB Cream and I really like it. I've tried a few now and I'm currently using the one shown above and I really like it so far. 

I'm pretty basic when it comes to my make-up. I like things to be simple and clean. I love experimenting more with different lip colors and glosses. For removing my make-up by far I love the Neutrogena Make-up remover cloths. I buy mine in bulk at Costco and I love them! 

What are some of your favorite makeup brands? Anything you're currently loving?

Coffee Date:: Girls Weekend!

Good Morning! Happy Friday friends! I really wanted to record a video for you and have something up but this week totally got away from me! Monday I woke up to a baby who'd puked all over himself and Ava who had a fever of 102! So it was off to the Doctor with both kiddos! They are doing much better now, so I'm thankful for that. 

If we were having coffee today I'd tell you that I've joined my best girl friends in the Windy City for a girls' weekend! We haven't all been together in years, and I'm excited to spend the weekend together. Can't wait to share all of my adventures from the weekend.

If we were having coffee this week, what would you tell me? Have any sick kids too? What have you been up to?! 

Have a great weekend friends!

Perfect Easter Attire

Easter is coming up soon! As a kid my mom always bought my sister and I new Easter dresses, complete with matching hats and white gloves! I loved getting to dress up all fancy and go to church with my family.

Now, as an adult I equally love dressing up on Easter Sunday. Sometimes you can't always find modest options these days, but I've found a great solution for that! Have you shopped DownEast Basics before? I've been shopping there for a few years now and one of my favorite things about their store is that they have modest clothing that isn't frumpy. They have adorable, chic and modern pieces that you can work into your wardrobe. Their dresses and skirts are some of my faves!

Not only to they have stuff for women but they have a cute girls section starting at size 2, so you can dress your little ones as well. Here are some of my picks for modest Easter outfits;

Perfectly Modest Easter Attire by worleyhouse featuring cami tops

Maybe dresses and skirts aren't your thing, pair a cardi with jeans and heels for a cute look. Shop the entire DownEast Collection here. 

What are some of your favorite places to shop for modest clothing? 

*i'm not affiliated with DownEast & this is not a paid post, I just wanted to share a brand that I really love with you.