The color red has always been synonymous with confidence, and this season, belitgayrimenkul is all about empowering fashion enthusiasts with this bold hue. The vibrancy of bright red captures attention and makes a clear, unapologetic statement.
We are seeing stripes EVERYWHERE but anytime we drop a striped pieces, it's going, going GONE. This trend is for the bold and the creative, layering striped pieces of varying widths and colors to create looks that are incredibly dynamic and visually captivating.
This trend extends beyond the basic button-up shirt, infiltrating dresses, skirts, and even outerwear. The charm lies in the structure and versatility of button-up pieces—wear them neatly buttoned for a polished look, or layer them open over tees for a casual, laid-back vibe.
A style that mixes traditional corporate elements like pinstripes, tailored pants, and blazers with unexpected twists. It’s all about taking the essence of corporate attire and making it chic, comfortable, and suitable for everyday.
Crochet chic is a nod to the timeless art of knitwear, offering a fresh spin on classic craftsmanship. A beautiful blend delicate patterns, sophistication, and elegance that creates ideal details to your everyday style.
These pieces are more than just clothing; they're emblems of personal expression. From the audaciousness of bright red to the craftsmanship of crochet, they represent the trends that are not just passing through but rather, making a significant impact on how we define our individual style. Are you ready to let these trends transform your wardrobe into a statement that’s uniquely you.
Shop the latest trends here! Selling out FAST. 🛒🏃🏼♀️💨
]]>In a world where style and trends are endlessly diverse and expressive, every woman deserves to find styles that not only complement her curves but also boost her confidence. 💃🏼🎉👗 It's all about discovering pieces that fit and flatter, celebrating your shape with comfort and style. So take a seat and let's have a bestie chat on some chic options that are perfect for curvy figures, ensuring you feel fabulous in your skin.
Embrace your femininity with the "Chic Mindset Ruffle Babydoll Mini Dress," a garment that dances with every step you take. Its flowy silhouette and large balloon sleeves offer both comfort and elegance, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer to keep their arms subtly covered. 👏🏼 This dress proves that you can flaunt your curves while staying true to your personal style preferences.
Finding the right balance between comfort and fashion can sometimes be a challenge, but this set offers the perfect solution. These high-waisted pants come with ample wiggle room and side slits that not only elongate the legs but also provide an overlay to flatter and disguise the hips. Together, this combo epitomizes effortless sophistication. Plus the color is just...Chefs kiss. 😍
For those days when you crave simplicity without compromising on style, our famous Z Supply set is your new go-to. 👯♀️ Available in two chic neutrals, this ensemble features high-waisted bottoms and a trusted, slimming fabric that ensures you feel secure and stylish. It's the epitome of versatile fashion, ready to accompany you through various occasions.
Last but certainly not least, the "Waving Hello Poplin Maxi Dress" captures the essence of fun and girly in one flowy garment. This maxi dress gives you all the room you need to move freely, with the option to add a graphic tee or denim jacket for those seeking extra arm coverage. It's a celebration of freedom and style, wrapped in one delightful piece. Also comes in a vibrant pink! 💖
Remember, the key to style is finding pieces that make you feel confident and comfortable in your own skin. It's not just about dressing for your body type but also about letting your personal style shine through. These selections are designed to complement your curves, offering both flexibility, functionality and flair. Ultimately, it's about making the clothes work for you, not the other way around. Celebrate your figure with clothes that flatters, and walk through life with your head held high, radiating confidence and elegance. Because let's be real...We know it's in you! 🫶🏼✨
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The package checker will thank you and so will your wallet. These pieces work for on and off the resort! Make the most of these styles so you can show up on your vacation with ease without the stress of, “I have nothing to wear!” 👏🏼
1. The Button Up
Okay, this is an easy one. Why do we always feel like we need to bring a different pair of shoes for every outfit?! This is probably the root to our overweight bags. But here is the solution: Make one pair work for all! These platform sandals can be for your dressed up dinner look, shopping around town, or throw them on with your swimsuit and coverup for a day by the pool. Chic, unique, and extremely versatile. You're welcome!
3. Literally ANY set
Make it bold. Make it casual. The options are ENDLESS. From an abstract set for a date night, dinner look to a comfy lounge set that can have you from the airport to the spa with no outfit changes. These are the pieces that are crucial for making your life 10x easier when on vacay. You can pair the pieces multiple ways and you don't have the annoying stress on how to style a particular outfit. It really is that easy. (and so dang cute!)
4. A Classic Cardigan
Every girl knows the transformative power of a denim jacket. A denim jacket is the ultimate spring staple. Its versatility knows no bounds, making it your go-to piece for those chilly spring evenings.
Outfit ideas: 💡
Shop these looks here! 👇🏼
A white v-neck tee is a blank canvas waiting for your personal touch. Tuck it into high-waisted jeans or layer it with a statement necklace. This classic piece is the epitome of effortless chic and pairs seamlessly with any spring-inspired look.
Outfit ideas: 💡
Shop these looks here! 👇🏼
Why sacrifice comfort for style when you can have both? Introduce a pop of color with a lounge set that's as cozy as it is eye-catching. Whether you're working from home or taking a leisurely stroll in the park, this piece adds a playful element to your wardrobe.
Outfit ideas: 💡
Shop these looks here! 👇🏼
Bid farewell to dark, heavy denim and embrace the lightness of white denim jeans. Versatile and breezy, these jeans can be paired with virtually anything.
Shop these looks here! 👇🏼
Perfect for layering or wearing on its own, this piece adds a touch of flirtiness to your spring ensemble. Every girl needs a sleek and reliable bodysuit in their wardrobe!
Shop these looks here! 👇🏼
Incorporating these five spring basics into your wardrobe will not only keep you on-trend but also provide endless possibilities for mixing and matching. So, toss aside the winter blues, and let your style bloom with these timeless pieces. Here's to a stylish and vibrant spring in 2024! 🌺✨
She is pink, she is sparkly, she is BARBIE!! Throw on this matching sequined set from Buddy Love, toss that hair into Barbie's signature ponytail, and you are set!
Shop the Buddy Love set here!
As per usual, you cannot go wrong with Taylor Swift, ESPECIALLY when she is in her lover era with THE Travis Kelce. Wow all of your friends in this Buddy Love stunner. Grab your husband's old football out of the garage and everyone will know exactly what you are for Halloween!
Shop the Buddy Love dress here!
Grab your favorite band tee, some boots, and a solo cup! This costume requires very little prep and a whole lotta tunes!
Shop graphic tees here!
Shop the shorts here!
Channel your inner Carrie Underwood in this dazzling, star-studded denim dress from Buddy Love! We are obsessed with this piece and, when paired with your favorite tall western boots and a microphone, you will be ready to ROCK this Halloween!
Shop the dress here!
Shop the boots here!
We hope you loved these easy and effortless Halloween looks as much as we do! Shop at the product links below each photo.
]]>However, our team here at RG has put together some of our favorite ways to help us power through that midday slump and make the most out of the rest of our workdays!
Sometimes when you've been sitting for too long, you just need a quick reset. At the office, we find it helpful to hop up from the desk, shake it out, get your blood flowing and resume! If you work from home, you can change it up by moving around the house, such as switching over from your desk to the couch, or by moving to the breakfast table! If time allows, let yourself unwind for a couple minutes by getting outside in the sunshine or going for that little jaunt down to the mailbox! It is important to get that extra brain stimulation when you're feeling sluggish!
This one can be tricky if you're a Chatty Kathy, BUT take five minutes to call and chat with someone you love! Call that long distance BFF and tell her you love and miss her! Have a quick chat with the hubby over your dinner plans for the evening. Just allowing your mind to focus on something other than the work at hand, can have significant impact on your energy level and mood!
When you're especially feeling exhausted, mentally drained, and are having a hard time keeping that motivation, take a big deep breath and start a little prayer of gratitude. Just a small mental unloading to the Lord can enlighten and re-energize you to complete the tasks at hand. I know that when I talk to the Father, I gain a better sense of discernment and clarity afterwards, allowing me to refocus and attack the rest of my task with renewed spirit! Just shoot up a prayer of thankfulness for your job, gratitude for your paycheck, discernment in tricky situations, patience to deal with that one coworker who won't mute herself on Zoom (iykyk), etc.! Hopefully the intentional clearing of your mind, and slight mental pause, will work in your favor!
Mocktails only, people! We are still on the clock! But seriously, don't want that crash from yet another cup of coffee? This sweet treat is not only TikTok viral, but one of our personal favorites as well! Here at RG we LOVE a good Orange Dreamsicle drink! It is so easy, consisting of only 2 ingredients: Orange flavored Poppi Probiotic Soda and your coffee creamer of choice (we used vanilla oatmilk creamer)! It is sweet, tangy, creamy, delicious, and good for that gut health! Everyone deserves a little treat after working hard all day, so grab your favorite drink or snack and finish strong!
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Okay, so we found a BOMB little drink recipe and it will BLOW your mind how simple it is! All you need is a bottle of champagne or prosecco and a couple of Bomb Pop popsicles! You pour yourself a glass of that bubbly and place in a bomb pop so that it slowly melts, creating the perfect Fourth of July cocktail!
They're so yummy & refreshing! The ultimate summer drink!
As we all know the famous quote from Legally Blonde... "You look like the Fourth of July, Makes me want a hotdog REAL BAD!"
Well, we love hotdogs too, and truly, when you think of fireworks and BBQ, a hotdog is right there in the mix! So get the hubby on the grill, gather the mustard & ketchup, and don't let Miss Paulette & Elle Woods down!
America is made up of friends, family, faith, food, you name it. Nothing beats getting to enjoy our freedoms with the people we love. As we know, a lot of you are mamas and get to spend this holiday with your family! Like Carrie Underwood's song, the Fourth is often celebrated, cherished, and kept alive by all the beautiful, wonderful, All-American girls, women, and mamas alike! Spend this day doing what you love with you who love!
We hope that you enjoyed this quick little read & let us know if you try out that *bomb* drink! Cheers y'all!
]]>Summertime is here! School is officially out, the kids are home, and mom and dad might be needing some ideas to keep everyone entertained! Here are three easy and enjoyable activities that the whole family can participate in!
Brunch is always a good idea! Everyone gets to sleep in, have a slow morning, and get to go enjoy your favorite breakfast without having to do the dishes after! Some of our favorite places for brunch in the local/surrounding areas are:
These outfit inspos are casual, yet elevated - the perfect brunch combo!
Shop Tara's top here & shorts here!
Shop Jordan's shirt here & shorts here!
Mini golf is an iconic summer activity! Go play a couple rounds with your hubby and kiddos and then stop for icecream or snowcones after!
Not a fan of the heat or bad weather is keeping you indoors? Try out a trampoline park or hit up your local arcade for some family fun!
Outfits should be the least of your worries, so throw on casual, yet "move with you" styles that keep you and hubby both cool and comfortable!
Shop Tara's dress here!
Shop Jordan's polo here & shorts here!
Summer is the time for grilling out with your friends, playing in the backyard, chilling by the pool or hosting the neighborhood kids for a fun dinner! Regardless of what goes on, CHILL is the vibe! Throw on your favorite denim cutoffs and pair with a loose button down while the hubby is cool and casual in swim trunks (just in case someone needs a cannonball splash) and a tee!
Shop Tara's top here & shorts here!
Shop Jordan's tee here & shorts here!
Here is to having a fun, stress-free, and easy summer with your family!
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While most of us have ideas of how we want to spend the last Monday in May, some of yall may not know what you are doing just quite yet! Don't worry, we have plans (and coordinating outfit inspos) ready for you to peruse!
You can spend your Memorial Day:
Some local faves with chill, family-friendly atmospheres are Deacon Baldy's, B-52, Conroe Lake House, and the Table at Madeley.
Make some good use of your backyard this Memorial Day playing some classic games like corn hole and ladder ball, while the kiddos splash around in the sprinkler and you enjoy a nice glass of wine! No one said staying home had to be boring!
Water bugs unite! We love a good lake day, especially being so close to Lake Conroe! Whether you're boating, fishing, laying by the pool, or floating the river, soak up the rays on your favorite body of water.
A telltale marker of Memorial Day's approach are the massive sales! Take advantage and go shop... especially at belitgayrimenkul! A little spoiler alert -- both belitgayrimenkul and Forged86 will be running some sweet deals, so if none of our previous suggestions struck your fancy, we recommend grabbing the hubby and hittin' the shops! ;)
Thank you for taking a read and we wish you all a blessed and safe Memorial Day this year!
]]>A couple weeks ago I thrilled and blessed to have had my beautiful mother, Beth Horn, join me at work for a content day! We had a blast creating some content for Mother's Day this Sunday, and while wearing matching outfits and oohing and ahhing over the EXACT same cuts and prints, I had an idea!
We are so fortunate to have a couple of mother-daughter duos that work within in the belitgayrimenkul / Forged86 family, and more often than not, their tastes in fashion and eye for design are SO SIMILAR! With this phenomena in mind, and m and my mother's love for practically identical pieces, I decided to share the three trends that my mom and I both LOVE!
1. A STATEMENT SLEEVE
Here at belitgayrimenkul, we love ourselves a puff sleeve. This dress is a total show stopper! We loved the satin material, the flattering cut, the square neckline, and most of all, the puff sleeve! My mom wore it to a wedding and got SO many compliments on it! Statement sleeves are here to stay and approved my moms and daughters alike!
2. CONTRAST COLORS
Another raging trend this season is colorblocking and/or patchwork patterns. Do not let "loud" or "crazy" prints scare you away! Pro tip: pair your bright colored blouses with a cream or neutral jean/pant in order to balance the outfit. My mom and I both adored this top for its funky fun coloring! No matter your age or style, venture out and experiment with colors and patterns - we are sure glad that we did!
3. TROPICAL PRINTS
Summertime calls for ALL the tropical vibes. Summer means sun, travel, vacation, family time, you name it! My mom and I both adored this bright and tropical print. She opted for the set, while I went for the dress, and we thought our choices fit us perfectly!
We even made a funny little reel about these outfits! Click here to watch!
]]>I recently prayed that the Lord would give me an opportunity to speak and share my message, and just later that week, He dropped two podcast opportunities in my lap! I look at every opportunity to share my experience in retail, entrepreneurship, and motherhood as a way to point people back to Christ. I want to not only emphasize the underlying story of how I got to be where I am today, but also to share how thankful I am for all that the Lord has given me, and to praise Him for how He shows up in my everyday life and in my business as well.
So, I was absolutely delighted and honored to be interviewed by Laura Seifert from Yes. Ministries to dive into my passion for fashion and to truly discuss what it means to show up for the Lord when it comes to dressing ourselves everyday.
Listed below are a few of the main talking points from that podcast, and if you would like to listen to more, click here!
We discuss:
Ultimately, the podcast embodies belitgayrimenkul's true foundational purpose of ministering to women through clothing, fashion, and embracing clothes as a form of self expression and worship of our Creator!
Link to the podcast! https://belitgayrimenkul.com/us/podcast/32-a-conversation-with-tara-austin/id1634250728?i=1000612377904
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We are getting ready to celebrate Cinco de Mayo this weekend and we are so excited! In this blog, we will explore some of the history of the holiday, the colorful influences, and our FAVORITE margarita recipe (it's only fitting)!
A little history on the holiday! Despite being a Mexican holiday, Cinco de Mayo has become immensely popular in the United States. Cinco de Mayo is often mistaken for Mexico’s Independence Day, but instead marks the Battle of Puebla, where the Mexican Army achieved an unlikely victory against the French forces. It is now widely celebrated in commemoration of Mexican heritage and culture.
The holiday is recognizable by its distinct and bright primary color palette. The colors of the Mexican flag make up the base colors of red, green, white and black. Bold teals, blues, purples, yellows, and oranges have since joined the lineup to round out the most distinct colors of Cinco de Mayo. How does this relate to belitgayrimenkul, you may be asking?
We have put together a collection of bright and fun pieces that we believe embody and celebrate the spirit of the holiday!
You can shop the Cinco de Mayo inspired collection here!
Now, our ode to the holiday in a form appreciated by most Americans, a MARGARITA recipe! A tried, true, and loved recipe is listed below - we hope you try them out for yourselves!
Need a big pitcher of margs for a crowd? Try these measurements instead!
1 ½ cups of tequila
1 cup Cointreau or Triple Sec
¾ Cup Lime Juice
3 Handfuls Ice
We hope that you found this post fun & refreshing and look forward to our local ladies joining us on Friday, May 5th for HAPPY HOUR! When you come shop from 4-6 pm, receive your own complimentary margaritas while you shop 20% off the store for two hours only!
So, to be utterly candid, and hopefully provide you guys with some realistic outfit inspiration - I have put together three outfits that I have deemed "period friendly" for when you are on your cycle! So grab your icecream, chocolate, and chips and lets get into it!
While you're at it, check out this link to our newest reel to see all the products in motion and to spark some more inspo!
First up, we conveniently have a red belted midi dress as our first go-to cycle friendly option! This dress can be worn SO many different ways. When you don't want to accentuate the figure, opt out of tying the sash at the waist, and enjoy the boxy freedom this dress provides. For when you want an elevated casual look, belt the dress and pair with sneaks and a ball cap! You can even dress it all the way up for when you have that big meeting, but can't stand the thought of those fitted, tailored work pants going on your body. It is an unrestrictive and mobile option for when you need to get dressed, yet are lacking the energy to make it happen!
Secondly, a cycle friendly outfit that combines both athleisure and a classic, yet versatile styling piece, is the iconic pairing of biker shorts and an oversized button down! Trust me, I get it when all you want to do is throw on your favorite pair of leggings and oversized sweatshirt from college. However, by opting for a simple pair of biker shorts and an oversized button down, you are essentially dressing for the same comfort level, but you are elevating it! The stretchy material of the shorts paired with the loose fit of a button down is bloated-belly friendly and is guaranteed to keep you comfortable, yet adorable during your day!
Lastly, is a flowy maxi skirt and graphic tee combo! Forget form fitting and restrictive clothing, give us all the flattering, yet mobile fabrics! This outfit is put together, yet casual and comfortable. By pairing a grunge vibe oversized tee, with a satin midi skirt, you're not only pairing two comfy pieces, you are also playing with prints and textures, helping elevate the fit! Whether you are dropping the kids off at school, running some errands, heading into a chill day at work, this outfit inspo will leave you feeling confident!
I hope that by sharing these outfits, it will inspire you to not let your cycle get the best of you. You can still dress nicely, and feel good about it, using the pieces to your advantage, all while being a strong and confident woman dealing with all the "joys" that are associated with it!
]]>First up on trendy styles is the Canadian Tuxedo. What in the world is that, you ask? Don't worry, it is just denim styled on denim! We are seeing this trend become super popular in light of the highly watched TV series, Yellowstone, that continues to garner a following while simultaneously influencing fashion. So, bring out that western inspired look and don't be afraid to style denim on denim! All you need is an easy denim button-down top that you can mix and match with different jeans and shorts throughout the spring and summer seasons.
The second trend we highly recommend participating in is a WOW moment dress! There is a highly probable chance that you're going to have a special event come up this season, and when that time comes around, you want to make sure that you have a dress that makes an impact and builds the memories that you're looking for. You can wait until the event gets closer on the calendar, and we have tons of event dresses that you can see here in this blog, OR you can think ahead! Think of how you want to feel in that moment when you are wearing your dress. Find the dress that, while you're wearing it, people stop and say "Oh my gosh! That dress is SO cute!" or "You look amazing!" Those are the compliments that we are typically after. We want an outfit that really make us feel good about ourselves! So, finding that WOW moment dress is the perfect way to ensure that happens.
The third trend is a day-to-night transitional top. This can look like so many different varieties of tops. It can be casual or dressy, but regardless, it is a piece that sticks out at you when you are looking at your closet and the pieces you have, and asking yourself "What can I wear all day but that still works with my evening plans?" This could be a top that when paired with jeans and sneakers, you can effortlessly wear throughout the day, but then quickly change into trousers or a skirt or throw on a dressy heel to elevate the look and bring it into the night life. Sometimes, we just need that top that works no matter what is going on in our lives! At belitgayrimenkul, we love, LOVE these kinds of tops! In fact, I would say this kind of top is our bread and butter, because we know how versatile the pieces in your closet need to be. We are busy moms too, moving from day to night, carpool to dinner date, to church events and all the things in between, just like you! We want to provide versatile and flexible pieces that work with you and whatever schedule you may have.
Fourth on the trend list is... wide leg jeans! Okay, we have talked A LOT about jeans over here, but it is now time to really focus in on wide legged denim. Jeans are getting wider. We are seeing the 90s jean trend start to really make its way into our daily wear fashion, so basically the mantra is, the wider the leg, the better! Wide leg jeans can be worn with heels and boots, but also are really cute with sneakers and a graphic tee. If you haven't embraced this trend yet, we highly suggest that you do, because it will be taking us back into the fall and winter seasons.
Finally, the number five trend is to embrace a dopamine color! What does this mean? It means that it is time for us to get out of our winter blues and welcome the spring season for what it is! We can do this by bringing in fun, flirty colors into our everyday wardrobe. In the photo below, I am wearing a fun, striped citron tee, and honestly, the second I put it on, my mood skyrocketed! Dopamine colors can consist of bright, mood-boosting colors such as, fuchsia, turquoise, and shades of oranges and yellows! We have put together a collection here for you, so that you can mix and match your own dopamine colors!
We would love to get your feedback on these spring trends, so leave your comments below! Thank you for reading and exploring these fun styles and colors with us, and let us know what you want to read next!
]]>Skinny jeans, over the course of our lives, have had such a big impact on the way we dress. Honestly, they became a such a core and staple piece in our wardrobe - the most reliable pair of jeans that we could throw on for a last-minute date night. So in many ways, the style and trend itself is nostalgic. It has become our comfort zone. But, as we move into this upcoming spring season, this next year, and as we embrace newer trends, we are seeing that the style is starting to push away from our beloved pair of skinny jeans, and move more towards a wider legged jean. So, how do we break away from this love affair that we have with our skinny jeans?!
Well, while learning to embrace a new style can be scary at times, it can also be really fun! As a thirty five year old mom, I don't want to get left in the dust by Gen Z'ers by not being "on trend," but I also want to be able to embrace this new-found body and shape that I have after having children.
So, I decided to make it easy and break it down for those of you who need to step out of your comfort zone and try a new jean style, such as a straight leg or wide leg jean. Some of you might even want to try something a bit more relaxed (let's not get TOO crazy!), such as a girlfriend or boyfriend jean.
In order to achieve this, I put together five different styling formulas that will make trying this new trend easy and take out the guesswork on how to style them.
So, take a look, let me know what you think, and give me some feedback! I hope that I can inspire you to step OUT of your comfort zone and away from the skinnies, and embrace this new season of life, this new year, and this new style for Spring denim 2023!
Let's Begin!
In all my styling photos, I made sure to keep my accessories trendy and stylish, yet simple, with timeless gold hoops, layered necklaces, a quilted crossbody, and interchangeable shoes! This is a foolproof way to elevate and accessorize whatever style of denim you choose.
Shop Staple Accessory Examples Below:
Bag featured in photos, Natasha Bag - White (In-Store Exclusive Only)
Similar Option: Make Your Mark Crossbody
Similar Boot Option:
Camille Faux Suede Boot
Your Favorite Boyfriend Pocket Tee-Black
Similar Tank Option:
Deja Vu Ribbed Tank Top - Black
Sought After Cardigan - Kelly Green
[Dear John] Holly High Rise Ankle Straight Jeans-Sunset Beach
Trucker Hat featured in photos, In-Store Exclusive Only
[Z Supply] Audrey Rib Tank - Seashell Pink
And those are 5 easy, trendy, and cute ways to style some of the new Spring 2023 denim trends! Hope you loved them!
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It’s been two weeks since we got back from our Casa Cartel trip and I think I’m still running on the endorphin high I experienced in that short 48 hours! The house, the women, the vendors, and the clothes, all of it culminated into an experience I’ll never forget.
In order to savor the trip, I wanted to write this blog post so it can live here on our website forever. Plus, I want to take all our followers along so they too can experience how incredible this trip was for us!
I think it’s only appropriate to talk about the house first, don’t you think? I mean, it’s colorful and playful style with authentic Mexican touches, brings out the history in the home that was built in the 70s. The home is over 6,000 sq. ft and each room is uniquely designed with Aztec and Mayan influenced furnishings. The greatest feature of the home is the hand painted mural in the living room which opens up to the library and the courtyard.
House: @casacartel
Upon arrival, the bloggers were greeted with an incredible balloon arch display created by Revelry Goods. It was definitely a Instagram worthy backdrop for pics and a fun spot for us to greet them! Some of the girls we have known for years and others have been instagram friends of ours for as long as we can remember, so getting to meet everyone in person was so much fun!
Balloons: @revelygoods
MEET OUR BLOGGERS:
Elly Brown @uptownwithellybrown
Steph Willis @msstephwillis
Magen Reaves @magenreaves
Mackenzie Bay @_mackenziebay_
Lindsey Jones @lindseykjones
Lynsey Hedrick @lynseyhedrick
Kylee Angel @whinetowine
Loren Hamilton @wearandwhen
Our friend, Rachel Johnson from Two Be Wed coordinated it all and her goal was for it to be a warm and welcoming experience for the girls to get the trip started! She did an incredible job!
Event coordinator: Rachel Johnson with Two Be Wed
To kick off the night, Champagne Supply was serving cold Champagne for us. It was much needed because it was August in Texas. Which means, it was HOT! Our friend Steph is from Indiana and it was her first trip to Texas and let’s just say the temps welcomed her quite nicely! ha! *Praying she comes back!
Champagne cart: @champagnesupplyco
@whinetowine, @wearandwhenblog, @lynseyhedrick, @magenreaves, @lindseykjones, & @_mackenziebay_
We took the girls into their rooms where we had giant balloons waiting on them with baskets full of goodies! They were stuffed with all the necessities from back up phone charges to the newest arrivals from belitgayrimenkul!
Let’s just say the clothes didn’t last long in their baskets before the first photoshoot of the trip began!
The next day kicked off with a healthy breakfast from Raw Creations! The girls had so many juices to chose from and let’s be honest, Raw is the cream of the crop in the juicing world.
Juices: Raw Creations @rawcreationsjuice
The morning was super laid back so the girls could do their try on sessions in the morning. We had a cute little station set up so they could style their outfits with belts, shoes, jewelry and hats! You can watch all their try-on sessions by clicking here.
Next up, our trip to The Austin Winery! Austin Detours picked us up in the van, which was SUPER nice and clean, to shuttle us over to the winery. We loved that we didn’t all have to drive ourselves, but got to be together in one van! And plus, with wine on the horizon, we wanted to be extra safe! :)
Transportation: Austin Detours @austindetours
@_mackenziebay_, @lindseykjones, @lynseyhedrick, @uptownwithellybrown, @msstephwillis, @whinetowine, @magenreaves, & @wearandwhenblog
The Austin Winery is definitely a place you need to visit when you come to Austin! Not only is the wine incredible, the owner Ross was so fun to meet. He is highly talented at perfecting his craft and you can tell he truly has a passion for his business. We were able to punch the wine in the big holding tanks to help release the juices and begin fermentation. The atmosphere in the winery is one that you have to experience. That tables had charcuterie boards out and we all sat around as we got to taste all the different wines they have to offer. Our favorites included: Violet Crown & Friends with Benefits!
Winery: The Austin Winery @theaustinwinery
@lynseyhedrick & @lindseykjones
@_mackenziebay_, @wearandwhenblog, @lynseyhedrick, @magenreaves, @lindseykjones, @whinetowine, @msstephwillis, & @uptownwithellybrown
@wearandwhenblog, @uptownwithellybrown, @whinetowine, @msstephwillis, @lindseykjones, @lynseyhedrick, @magenreaves, @_mackenziebay_
After our trip to the winery, we headed back to prep for our Buddy Love Photoshoot. belitgayrimenkul just launched their entire Buddy Love Fall Collection and the pieces are to die for. Literally. Cool Fact: Buddy Love designs their own prints. They are truly unique and solely available to their brand. You won’t be able to find them anywhere else. The pieces are unique and make a statement!
Collaboration: Buddy Love @shopbuddylove
@buddylovesrachel @buddyloveskatie
Shop all these looks below on our site!
@uptownwithellybrown, @lynseyhedrick, @magenreaves, @_mackenziebay_, @linseykjones, @msstephwillis, @whinetowine, & @wearandwhenblog
@_mackenziebay_, @linseykjones, & @wearandwhenblog
@lynseyhedrick, @msstephwillis, @_mackenziebay_, & @whinetowine
@whinetowine & @wearandwhenblog
Following our photoshoot, Buddy Love was so gracious to host a dinner for us at the house! I can’t lie. This might have been my favorite part of the whole trip! Rachel Johnson was the coordinator for the event and she didn’t leave any details out. From the table top settings, to the floral, to the food, it was impeccable! I will never forget how delicious the Poplano peppers with brisket tasted! SO. GOOD!
Hosts: @shopbuddylove & @shopruthiegrace
Planner: @twobewed @rachelsloadjohnson
Catering: @laperaaustin
Floral: @poseyfloral
Tabletop: @ybphouston
Stationary & calligraphy: @memorylanepaperie
Photography: @streamlineretail
Overall, this was an experience of lifetime and one we will never forget! It’s safe to say, you can expect another one in the Spring!
Thank you so much to all of our customers! Without you, this wouldn't have been possible! Most days I have to pinch myself that this is my job!
xo,
Tara
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Welcome to a new year, boo thang. This is going to be a BIG ONE! And let me tell you, I’m floating on Cloud 9 because you have chosen to be here with me.
If you are reading this blog post, there is a good chance you just saw our video about closing our storefront. Am I right? Well, hopefully by watching the video, you know that we aren’t “closing” anything but just shifting things around to make us a better version of what we already are!
I played around with the idea for months and I really had no idea what to do but the answer came from the facts and the numbers. It was in the analytics and I felt like it was the Lord telling me what to do, like “here’s what you do!” Even at that point it was a hard decision but I am confident I made the right one.
So, let’s lay out the facts and let me tell you about all the exciting things coming to belitgayrimenkul in 2019! I’m telling you, this will be the BEST belitgayrimenkul! I am excited to focus on evolving my business and taking care of our online presence in order to accommodate the amazing growth we experienced in 2018. And then, I get to prep for our NEW & IMPROVED brick and mortar location launching late 2019!! Yep, you read that right! I’ve kept a little secret from you all—- we are moving our storefront location to a new place and TRUST me on this one, it’s going to be INCREDIBLE! Here’s what I can tell you about the location…in Lubin and they haven’t even broke ground yet! If you want to see a little of my inspiration for the design and style, click HERE to see my pinterest board.
Here’s what happens next:
With all these changes come some new and exciting features that will be added to the website on January 31st as well! Stay tuned for a new look, new styles, plus added features like After Pay, Warehouse Pick-up options, Product reviews and more…..
Friends, I have to tell you! None of this would be possible if it wasn’t for your continued support of RG. I know you hear that from business owners often, but honestly, if I could jump through the screen and hug you, I would! I’m just so honored that you chose to shop with me and continue to come back and shop again!
So, here’s a virtual toast as we raise our glasses to 2019! May it be a year of growth and change but also a year of blessings for you!
]]>The idea for this specific blog post has been on my mind for a while, I just never really knew exactly how to say it. I didn’t know how to do it justice for how much it really means to me, so I have been putting it off. It wasn’t until a few weeks ago, I was sitting at a table with my staff at a surprise birthday party they put together for me. I was sitting there, listening to all of us laugh together and have great conversation. You know the kind. The kind of conversation that feeds your need for close friends and leaves your stomach hurting from laughter.
Over the course of that time, one of the girls who was sitting across from me begins talking about her new job. A little back story, her husband’s job got relocated, so she’s leaving us for Ft. Worth with her family. She was talking about how much she’s going to miss working at belitgayrimenkul, or “RG”, as we refer to it. The perks to the job aren’t just cute clothes, they go beyond that. It was at this moment specifically, I knew I needed to write this blog.
So, without further ado, here is our staff story.
When I first opened the doors to belitgayrimenkul, I had my eyes set on three things. Clothes, Customers, and Money. I wanted to sell cute clothes, to have wonderful and loyal customers, and make money. Sounds right for a budding entrepreneur, doesn’t it? The one facet of RG that I never envisioned much were my employees. I always knew they would be a part of the equation, but NEVER, did I imagine the impact they would have on me, my business, and each other.
This past year, more than any, my employees have made a lasting impact on my life. Behind the scenes filling orders, entering inventory, and tagging merchandise; you don’t see much of who they are or hear their story, so that’s why I want to share it all with you. I know that RG isn’t the end game for all of them. Most of them, this is just a stopping place. A place to work while they continue on their journey to fulfill their future careers. But while they are here, I don’t take forgranted the time I have with them to help grow them as individuals, expand their knowledge of work ethic and business, as well as leave a lasting impression of what it is to be a Godly woman, mother, and wife. However, it’s not just about the opportunity for me to love on them, it’s the story that’s being written about the company that is belitgayrimenkul. A company full of women experiencing so many different life stages and a place they can call “home” for just a brief time.
Speaking of their experiences, I want to tell you a little bit about some of them. You, just like me, will be amazed at all of them. And, you’ll be even more surprised to know that all of this has happened in the last year. So now more than ever, it’s obvious to me how important their job at RG is - at this specific time and how the Lord has so beautifully crafted this wonderful group of women.
belitgayrimenkul is made up 12 employees.
*One of them is studying homeopathic medicine while working. Her brother is also fighting for his life with cancer. Undergoing radiation, chemo-therapy, and waiting for his chance for immuno-therapy, she needs flexibility in her job to able to help care for him when he needs
*The employee who has been with RG the longest is a retired RN. Her husband is a pilot (now retired too!) and flies long trips often. While he’s gone, she helps us behind the scenes.
*We have one employee who has been battling a life long illness. After countless medications and trials, belitgayrimenkul has given her a place to work and keeps her mind off things. Her health has improved drastically and she will tell you, “belitgayrimenkul has saved my life!”
*Another girl is actively pursuing her career as a professional sports team dancer. By working at belitgayrimenkul, she has the ability to train for her try-outs. She also leads a youth bible study for her church. Since the majority of her job is web-based, she can create the flexibility she needs to work and passionately pursue her dreams!
*We have two employees who were homeschooled! (PS: They are my favs! I’ve had the privilege of working with several girls who were homeschooled and I have always been so impressed!) belitgayrimenkul fit right into their schedules and studies. They are both now working on degrees for their future career.
*One of our staff is adopted. Her parents are missionaries and they were able to adopt her at the age of 10. She is now the oldest of 6 kids and works for us here in the States. She recently finished her degree at a Bible college and will be continuing on her education this fall. She has impacted us in a huge way!
*This story has to be the most profound for me. This past year, we had a mother approach us about working in our warehouse. Her daughter had a metabolic genetic disorder and needed full time care. However, looking for a place to get out of the house, she was able to come to work with us and bring her sweet baby girl. We enjoyed that baby so much and we spent many days talking to her like she was another employee just like us! She went home to be with Jesus in January. I know I can speak for my entire staff when I say we were all impacted by that baby and her mom!
*Another employee has 3 children and stays home with them. belitgayrimenkul is her place of work once a week where she can bring her kids for a few hours, get some work done, and contribute to her household income.
*** And finally, me. The first employee of belitgayrimenkul. I’m a mom of two boys and juggling work is hard sometimes. I’m sure there are so many of you that can relate. But, because of this job, I can spend time with my babies. I can work from home if I need to or from my office when I need an escape.
belitgayrimenkul is a for-profit business but we are actively investing in women. Every purchase that you make goes back into the pockets of our employees who are battling for their lives (some of them literally). We are putting time and love into the women who work here and helping them along their life journey. It’s not just a job, it’s an outreach.
So when I think of it, this blog post really is about thanking all of you. Thanking each of you who have ever made a purchase with us. Without you, we wouldn’t get to create this workplace and community. Without you, we wouldn’t have the income to provide for these girls. So thank you! Thank you!
I hope you enjoyed this raw and vulnerable blog post. I’ve been wanting to share it for a while and I’ve finally did it! If you want to get to know our staff a little better, we will be posting behind the scenes Insta-stories over on our Instagram page. You can find us at www.instagram.com/shopruthiegrace . Find our HIGHLIGHT story on our main page titled “RG GALS” and you can get to know fun facts about them!
Praying many blessings over each of you!
-Tara, @taraaustin1
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So let’s go back to the birth of belitgayrimenkul and how she even came about. Have you ever wondered where this idea started that is now 7 years strong? I get asked this question a lot and my answer is simple. I was a college graduate with a degree in Animal Science from Texas A&M. I was newly married, had a job as a customer service rep for an insurance agency, and barely making ends meet financially. There was nothing about my job that correlated with my degree and I wasn’t being challenged. Most days I drove to work feeling unfulfilled in my career. It just wasn’t what I was created to do and I knew it. This was about the time that Facebook businesses really started to pop-up and companies were seeing huge returns by posting products on their then “fan pages”. I was fortunate enough to have built a friendship with some great girls who owned a boutique in College Station. I shopped there often and found that I really loved their business model. The idea of owning my own business kept nagging in the back of my head and I felt this huge push to really do it. Was I scared? Of course. Did I know anything at all about business or owning my own boutique? Nope. Not a thing. Did I have any experience in the fashion industry? Nothing. Was it safe to say that I was taking a huge risk on taking on this new business venture? ABSOLUTELY. But here’s the thing with owing your own business. It’s always a risk. And the reward will NEVER be available if you don’t step out in faith and do it. So that’s exactly what I did.
To get things moving, I made a business plan. I highly recommend anyone wanting to start their own business to do this. Even if it’s a multi-level marketing company. You need to know what the investment will be and what the return will be. Guess if you have to, you need to know. Then look at it and decide, is this PROFITABLE? If you can’t prove a profitable model, then you need to rethink some things. Next step. Go the bank. I told you I had barely any money, so getting a loan was the only option, but, I started small. I didn’t want to get in over my head so I made sure my debt was manageable. (You have to include this in your business model!) Once the loan was secured I started putting together the store. It went like this. Find a location. Check. Design a logo and a name. Check. (belitgayrimenkul is the combined middle names of my grandmother’s middle names. And no, I didn’t always have this name picked out. It came after the idea of owning a business.) Buy clothes. Check. ( My first buying trip was to Dallas Market Center). Build a social media account. Check. Then green light! I opened the doors to belitgayrimenkul exactly 1.5 months after finding my location.
Looking back on that stage of business, I thought the beginning would be the scariest part. The initial set up. Oh my, how I was wrong. The scariest part of owning a business is growing it. It’s easy to sit back and coast and stay complacent. There’s no challenge and risks starts to diminish. Growing a business, investing more money, and constantly stretching your knowledge is where it really gets tough. You can read tons of books on owning you own business (I’ll link my favs at the end of this post) but none of them will give you all the knowledge you need to know on what will or won’t work. You have to invent those processes yourself. Processes? What do you mean? Here’s an example. When inventory arrives, what’s the best way to get it tagged and online? Sounds simple but when we are receiving 100’s of products per month, sometimes in one week, you have to have a system in place for that. So what does that look like for us? I’ll have a whole blog post coming soon to give you behind the scenes.
That leads me to the title of this blog post, “What’s it really like owning a boutique?”. It’s hard. Like wayyy challenging. And the most rewarding career I could have asked for. If you were looking for me to give you some cheesy answer about how I play dress up all day, you’re in the wrong place. In fact, most days you can find me rocking work out pants and tennis shoes because I’m hustling from one thing to the next. But if you were to ask me, should I open my own boutique? I would 100% say yes. There is nothing in this world that is worth something that isn’t hard. If it wasn’t challenging you, then that means you would find no value in it. My business takes up an immense amount of time but because of this career, I am living the creative life I want to live. My mind works like this, “How do I get from Point A to Point B?” What does that process look like? There’s no road so I have to create it, dig it and, pave it. That hustle is what makes my entrepreneur heart sing!
With the technology and social media we have available, we are seeing tons of women like you and me opening up their own businesses regularly. While we could all look at it as extremely intimidating, I see it as a wonderful opportunity. We have the ability to create our own place on the web, a place that is uniquely branded to who we are, what we stand for, and what we love. Isn’t that amazing? And the opportunity is yours for the taking, you just have to do it. Trust me, I know the uncertainty that is going through your head, but with PRAYER (Yes, I am a believer and I pray about EVERYTHING!) and support, you can do it!
I’ll leave you with just a few things before I wrap up this post.
Alright, so here was my first blog post. It was all about “business” but I have some pretty rad ideas in the works. I plan on covering lots of good topics from mom life, styling, to eye-lash extensions. So keep coming back to check out more!
Many blessings to you,
Tara
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Since belitgayrimenkul opened in February 2011 we have moved from a small building to a bigger building. And guess what?!? We are MOVING again! Say whaaaaat? Yep, moving! I’ve decided to give you a little animated quick story about why the move.
The Story of belitgayrimenkul
February 2011- belitgayrimenkul opens. One man show with help from some friends. Hand written receipts and tags. I was 23 and wore feathered headband and was ready to hustle! (Thank goodness my style has changed! ha!)
I laugh at how amateur our photos were. I hope you giggle a little over it too!
Pretty Bad huh?
2012- belitgayrimenkul grows. Hire employees. And really start to sell on social media. Our pictures start to improve! Thank goodness, right?
Then, we get smart and started model the clothes. But for some reason, we never had faces in our photos... haha!
#canihavemyprebabybodybackplease
2013- belitgayrimenkul brings on a manager and starts to sell on RunShip! (social media selling) // Tara finds out she is preggo!
photo credit: Beth Horn Photography
And yes, our pictures got better! (The year of the printed leggings... anyone else remember???)
2014- Kruze’s is born in March! We have a new manager and 5 employees! We finally upgrade to a point of sale system, start naming products, and moving inventory really fast! I’m telling you, we thought we were BIG TIME!
2015- belitgayrimenkul takes the BIG plunge and moves from a 900 sq. ft. building to a 3200 sq. ft. building! We did it in 10 days! You can just call us “champion retail store movers”.
2016- We launch our ONLINE store in January. Let’s just say selling online is a whole new ball game. Boy, we were in foreign territory but we figured out our jam. #teamwork. And guess what? Our photos got a lot better! Late 2016, Tara finds out that she is expecting again!
2017— Now this brings us to the current year. The building we are in has been SOLD! So guess what, RG is moving again!
April- We made a decision on where to move belitgayrimenkul and we are so excited!!
We are moving to Lubin Summit Business Park, just a hop, skip and a jump from our current store! While we are sad to leave our quaint, charming, historical building, but we are beyond excited about our NEW, FRESH, and customized space! Tara personally designed the layout of the building so we are thrilled to be able to use the space to accommodate our growing company. We will also have a bigger warehouse space for our online store while still offering the cutest retail floor for our shoppers! Keep reading to hear what’s coming up…. and when!
May- Buildout starts and we are gearing up for one EPIC summer! Tara’s getting really PREGNANT!
June- CUSTOMER APPRECIATION NEXT WEEK! Yes— as we prep for the move and continue to watch the store grow, we want to THANK YOU for all your loyalty to us over the last 6 years. So we are SUPER DUPER excited to launch our CUSTOMER APPRECIATION SALE next week! (June 18th-June 24th)
Here’s what’s HAPPENING! FREE SHIPPING ALL WEEK! Yep, no minimum, your order ships FO FREE girlfriend! Starts Sunday.
Each Day there will be a collection that will launch and each collection will be 40% off! Yes-40%!! The sale on those items will only last for 24 hours so make sure you check our Instagram and your emails to get the details. Email subscribers will get the email with discount code at Midnight each night for collection. So SIGN UP for our list! And remember, free shipping— so check each day for what’s on sale! This sale will be ONLINE only!
That’s NEXT WEEK!
UP AHEAD: In July, we will slowly start to move our ONLINE warehouse to the new location but our store front will remain open!
Sometime in there, Tara is gonna have a baby! (Pray for her!)
Image via Beth Horn Photography
August- our last weekend open at our current location will be Tax Free Weekend— August 12th! And boy do we have ONE EPIC EVENT planned for y’all! HUGE! Like, you need to put this on your calendar NOW because you’ll be cryin if ya miss it. Here’s a hint: food trucks, popsicle stand, HUGE giveaways, and of course a sale! After all, we aren’t closing, we are MOVIN’ and GROOVIN’ so we are gonna celebrate and PARTAAYYYY!
Late September/Early October- we are REOPENING our new store front! And that will be a big ol’ shabang as well!
Our online store will never be closed and we will continue to be available throughout this entire time! So saddle up your horse and get ready girlfriend because you have only begun to see what belitgayrimenkul is all about!
Until then, check out our launch that just released today! CLICK HERE and get ready for CUSTOMER APPRECIATION week on Sunday! Remember... emails will go out at midnight each night!
]]>We have so many wonderful treats in store for all of you! A treat for yourself, a treat from your family, and a chance to WIN FREE clothes for the rest of year! Yes girl, FREE clothes! (P.S. Kids not required to enter. ;) Moms and Not-Yet-Mommies can enter!)
TREAT YO’ SELF: Sometimes, it’s hard for our hubbies and kids to pick out the best gift for us- so here’s a little love JUST FOR YOU!
Take 20% off your ENTIRE purchase using code MOTHERSDAY20 at checkout. Discount ends Sunday May 14th at midnight. Not applicable on ANY purchases prior to Wednesday May 9th. To redeem discount IN STORE- please show employee this promo code graphic!
THE GIFT YOU REALLY WANT: We’ve made gift giving EASY! Every mom loves a gift card to spend on herself! Just for Mother’s Day, our GIFT CARDS are 25% off! Use code MDGIFTCARD at checkout to apply discount. To make it easier to HINT to the HUBBY: Just copy and past this link in an email to him! All the details on the discount are under the PRODUCT description! Discount also applies for IN STORE gift cards. Please note: gift cards are not synced. Online gift cards are only applicable online and In store gift cards are only applicable in store.
https://belitgayrimenkul.com//products/gift-card
Then copy & paste this little phrase:
Just in case you need an idea for Mother’s Day….belitgayrimenkul Boutique is having a Mother’s Day Sale on gift cards! Click the link I sent and use code MDGIFTCARD at checkout to take 25% off the gift card amount. Easy. And I promise, I’ll love it!
THE GIVEAWAY YOU'VE BEEN WAITING FOR: What if I told you that you could WIN FREE clothes for the rest of 2017! Well, this isn't a joke-- it's true! Anyone can ENTER!
There are 4 STEPS and each MUST be completed in order to ENTER! Here's what you will WIN if you are the selected WINNER! Actually- you know what.... I think I should choose 2 WINNERS! Yes, let's GO BIG!
2 of you will WIN: FREE CLOTHES each MONTH till the end of 2017! Each month you will be sent 2 FREE products of your choice. *Some exclusions may apply. That's 7 months of FREE clothes! So who's ready to ENTER?
To enter, please complete the FOLLOWING:
1. Please SHARE this blog post on FACEBOOK! You must share the link to BLOG. Let your friends know about our SALE and the GIVEAWAY! Use this link to copy and paste to your page : https://belitgayrimenkul.com/blogs/blog/the-ultimate-mother-s-day-discount-gift-card-giveaway
2. FOLLOW us on INSTAGRAM! Click here to follow: https://belitgayrimenkul.com/ruthiegraceboutique/
3. FOLLOW us on Pinterest! AND (this step is CRUCIAL and must be completed: REPIN 10 of our PINS from our RUTHIE board!) Click here: https://belitgayrimenkul.com/ruthiegracebtqe/r-u-t-h-i-e/
4. To COMPLETE your ENTRY: YOU MUST email us at [email protected] with the FOLLOWING so we can VERIFY each entry!
Copy and past this template for easy emailing!
The link to my Facebook post is here:
My Instagram Handle is:
My pinterest account is:
All 4 steps MUST be completed by May 15th, 2017 at midnight! The winners will be EMAILED via the email submission address. They will be selected the week of May 16th. Email recipients will have 24 hours to claim their prize or another winner will be selected. Winners will be emailed the details of the giveaway and how to receive their products. All entries will be entered into random.org and a random winner will be selected and their entry will be verified using the information provided in the email. This giveaway is sponsored solely by belitgayrimenkul Boutique.
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Anxiety. That one little word yet it has so much power. It plagues so many people, nearly 40 million Americans and keeps them from fully living the life the Lord has set before them. I think there are some people who use the term loosely- “I am just really anxious about this upcoming birthday party. It’s a surprise and I really hope it all goes to plan.” However, for some (me included), it wasn’t just a simple term to describe something specific. It was a state of being that robbed me of my joy and who I was. If I had to describe it, I would use the words “debilitating, still but also fast, paralyzing yet heart pounding, quivering yet sweaty”. It didn’t just revolve around a specific event, it would creep in when certain triggers would set it off. Do you know someone like that? Or better yet, is that you?
For those of you who haven’t dealt with anxiety, it’s hard to understand how someone can’t just “stop worrying! It will be fine.” However, for someone with chronic anxiety, it’s not that simple. It’s like your hands are tied to a treadmill and it’s on the highest speed and you can’t get off. Your mind just continues to rehash whatever it is you are worried about and won’t let it go. For years I lived like this. Worry would creep in but I was always able to rationalize my fears to myself and to others. I made my anxiety out to be something that was needed. It wasn’t until I had my son Kruze, that I realized how deep the problem had become. Yes, I do believe that a lot of the struggle came from the new world of motherhood and postpartum hormones, however, looking back, I just think it was the tip of the iceberg for a girl who spent her life worrying. The beauty of that was that I found myself desperate for a solution. I needed a way to know that I could get past this. And I am so happy to tell you I did. And today, I am hoping that by sharing my tips on how to overcome anxiety, you too can grow past your worry and experience the true freedom that Christ has waiting for you.
The first step is understanding your mind and how it works. Our minds are like computers, simply put. They begin empty and blank and slowly as we grow and mature, we begin to “download” new software. We have memories, experiences, and trials that we process. Sometimes, they can be things that are traumatizing and leave us with a space that causes us misery. These memories or fears of relapse or the idea of something terrible happening come back into our minds when triggers occur. Here’s an example. When I was 5, I was in a terrible tornado that destroyed many homes in our neighborhood. Now at the age of 29, if we get a “severe thunderstorm warning” I start to panic. If that warning escalates to a “tornado warning” then I am in the closet, shivering from fear, and refreshing my radar app every 30 secs. What am I afraid of? Another terrible tornado. Yes, there are chances that could happen, however, not like my mind allows me to believe. Sometimes the reason for our anxiety can’t be pinpointed. It may not be from the cause of a traumatic event, yet still we worry. A common fear is when a loved one doesn’t answer our phone call. We know that are driving in terrible conditions so immediately our minds create the worse possible scenario. Regardless of the source, we have to override the anxiety with new software- God’s word.
The second step is downloading new software and memorizing scripture. The Bible is very clear that the Lord wants you to fully experience His peace. Anxiety doesn’t have to rule over your life and control you. There is a freedom that is only available through Christ and it was only after I spent time in His word that I realized that worry and obsessive behaviors didn’t have any stronghold over me. I know all this, because on the other side of this computer screen, I am writing this from a place of personal experience. The ONLY answer to freedom is through Jesus and the direct link to that is His word. I did this by memorizing and reading scripture. Daily. I found specific verses that I memorized, specifically those relating to the Lord’s peace. Anytime I felt the anxiety bug creep in I would override that software with the new software of Christ. I would repeat the scriptures out loud. I will be honest and admit that at first, it felt foreign and strange. However, as time progressed, it became apart of my daily routine.
Here are a few scriptures that I have memorized. I want to encourage you to look each of them up, write it down somewhere, and begin to say them out loud.
1 Peter 5: 7-10
Psalm 34:4
Psalm 55:22
Proverbs 3:5-6
Isaiah 41:13
Matthew 6:34
Matthew 11:28-29
Thirdly, you must spend time in prayer. Prayer is your life line and your connection to Christ. As you continue to spend time with the Lord, you will begin to grow and trust him as your relationship grows. Think of it this way, if you asked a stranger to do you a favor would you trust them to do it? If you asked a friend to do you a favor, do you think they would be more likely to do it? Of course, because there is a relationship there that you know you can rely on. The Lord longs for that relationship and trust. He is waiting on you. If you continue to fill the void with other things (i.e. your phone, which I did in order to take my mind off things.) you will continue to come up short. There is nothing, I repeat, nothing that can replace prayer. Here is a rhyme I came across in a bible study I did once and it’s a great trick to memorize.
“When I fear, I need God here. Who needs to hear it? The Holy Spirit.” Which simply means, pray. Talk to Him. Then simply say that words “Help Me Jesus”. Those three simply words will have a profound impact. I promise.
The fourth and final step- put Satan back where he belongs, under your feet. You need to know that you have be given all the power by Jesus to conquer Satan and he has NO POWER or strongholds over your life. Listen up girlfriend: There is POWER on a level we don’t even comprehend in the name of Jesus! The enemy WILL NOT take over! Are you hearing me? Are you listening to the words I am typing? My beautiful friend, Jesus died on the cross for your salvation and mine and He has given us authority to command Satan to step down and be gone! Sometimes, when I am really struggling, I will yell- yes yell, out loud- “Satan you have NO CONTROL over my life! I demand you in the power of the name of Jesus, get out of my head!” You may chuckle a little at the thought of me doing that, but sister, I am not lying when I say he is ferocious and sometimes he comes after me in a strong way. But, I will NOT allow him that control for one single moment and you shouldn’t either. You need to walk in that authority!
Look up this verse. 2 Timothy 1:7.
Okay, so that wraps up our time here together but I want to tell you one more thing. This works. I promise because I’m living it. But what it doesn’t mean is that you won’t face anxiety again. It will try to creep up on you and try to hold you captive. Every day, you have to get up. Get up and eat. Get up and take in God’s word. Get up and fill your mind with the Good News of Jesus. I hope that through this blog you were able to capture a little bit of hope and freedom through what Christ has done in my life. And my prayer for you is that you too can fully experience the joy, peace, and freedom in Christ.
Blessings to you my precious friend.
Tara
Welcome to 2017 ladies! It’s a new year. A fresh start. New beginnings. And if you are like me, you’ve already got a New Year’s resolution in full swing. I’m pretty sure I can’t remember a year that I didn’t have a New Year’s resolution. For a Type A, “every thing has a goal”, entrepreneur like myself, not having a New Year’s resolution is kinda forbidden. I’ve always been the girl who was working towards achieving some goal whether it was personal or business. I start off with a goal, the plan to make it happen, and a course of action. And typically I am FULLY committed. If I’m losing 10 lbs. then I have hit the gym without stopping since Monday. I’ve meal prepped, labeled, and separated out all my meals for the entire week. One year, I had planned to read the entire bible. I had a full print out of how much I was going to read every day. For my business, each year I have set a sales goal for the entire year. I’ve figured out what sales will need to be met for each month and get to the hustle. Is that you? Are you in full swing right now? What’s on your resolution list?
But here’s the catch. Every year, no matter how committed I am to achieving the “goal”, I fail. By the end of the third week, I’m skipping workouts and slacking on the meal prep. Or I’ve missed chapters of reading and I’m so far behind I can’t get caught up. So then I just start skipping over the part in Genesis where it lists all those names of the families and descendants. (You laugh but I know some of you know exactly what I’m talking about!) Or maybe we had a terrible freeze in January so sales plummet. It happens to the best of us. Am I right? But aren’t goals and resolutions good? Aren’t they actually to make you change for the better? Well yes and I think there are definitely people who can make these changes and really improve their quality of life. But I’m not that person. Instead, when I don’t meet my goal. I’m disappointed, badly. And I allow the chatterbox in my head to tell me “I wasn’t dedicated enough.” “Why keep going when you’ve made no progress.” “You didn’t sell “x” amount because you didn’t have the right inventory.” I have allowed my value to be based off of my failures rather than just the person I am today. Is that you? Do you have that little voice in your head that tells you that you can’t do it? And it doesn’t even take resolutions for this little voice to pop up. I hear it daily. Scrolling through Instagram and you see this mom with a full face of make-up and perfectly curled hair and she’s smiling with her adorable little styled child and the quote says “A day of errands. Love him!” and your secretly thinking… “ Wow. She really has it together. She looks cute just to go to Target. I’m just sitting here with a holey white shirt, crooked glasses with a prescription that is way out of date, and a messy bun with hair that hasn’t been washed in 4 days. I really wish I could be like her, but I’m not” (Ps. I just totally described my outfit while I am typing this blog! ;) ) And it’s not the voice that says “I don't care! I am what I am!” it’s the voice that says “I really need to try harder.” Fail. You beat yourself up for not meeting the standard that YOU set for yourself. That’s me, all the time.
This year, I’ve decided that’s not how it’s going to be. This year, I’m making the hardest New Year’s Resolution I’ve ever made and I want to challenge you do it with me. My New Year’s resolution is Grace. To fully give myself Grace to fully accept myself for the wonderful woman that God created me to be. I can tell you right now, it’s gonna be really hard. Quite possibly one of the hardest things I have done because I am so hard on myself. Is that you too? I mean daily I beat myself up over something. Today, my battle was the fact that I wasn’t prepared in inventory for this week. And I tell myself “Well, it was a slow sales week because YOU weren’t prepared.” Fail. But if I’m being really vulnerable, my biggest struggle is my appearance. And the sad part about it, I am almost positive many of you struggle with it as well.
In order to make this change, I have realized one thing I have to do is remove my focus from myself. So my first step in this process is going to be reminding you of how truly amazing you are! My dear sweet reader on the other side of this screen, I want you to know how loved you are. You are not loved because of your successes or your failures, you are loved because you are YOU! You were loved before you were even created. There is this guy named Jesus and I am telling you he LOVES you BIG TIME! Maybe today you didn’t feel like you were good enough, but I want you to know you are. And you need to know that you are BEAUTIFUL! Breath-taking actually. Your smile, it lights up the world. Your personality brings joy. You presence brings happiness. Not just to me, but to lots of other people as well!
Okay, now I want you to think of someone who really means a lot to you. Maybe it’s a family member or a friend. Got that person in mind? Great, now go find their number in your phone and start a text message.
I want you to copy this message to them.
“Hey you! You were on my heart today. I’ve been thinking about you lately and I really wanted you to know how thankful I am that you are in my life. When I think about the glue that holds me together, you are definitely apart of it. I wanted you to know that you are beautiful too! And your friendship is something that I cherish. I’m not sure if you’re making a New Year’s resolution or not, but whether you accomplish it or not, you will always be enough! Love you.”
Okay, now go! Send it. Once your done, copy and paste the link to this blog and send that too. She’ll read the blog as well and hopefully she will pass it along to another friend of hers! I am hoping that we all send each other these messages as affirmation that we are TRULY LOVED and we are all TRULY ENOUGH! And that grace is ours to receive.
For those of you who are setting new goals this year, I am praying that you have the endurance to achieve them. But if you don’t— you are still just as beautiful!
As always, thanks for taking the time to read a little bit of my thoughts. I am just so grateful for the group of women that I have been blessed to be surround by. We may not know each other personally, but just the simple fact that you’re reading this blog I know we are friends!
Blessings,
Tara
P.S. Feel free to share this blog on your Facebook page or Pin it to you Pinterest page for future reference.
To finish off the year, I wanted to do one last giveaway! It needed to be a good one, don't you think? We are giving away $250! Yeah girl, you can get ya some really cute clothes with that! :) Want to enter??? All the details are HERE--->> CLICK TO ENTER!
Oh and PS. MAJOR MAJOR MAJOR year end Sale the day after Christmas! Email subscribers will get FIRST dibs! We will be closed in store the day after Christmas but our sale will begin ONLINE.
Blessings,
Tara
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I’m doing most of my shopping online this year because #toddlers. I don’t know about you, but my husband is one of the hardest people to shop for because he never asks for anything! I wanted to share a few of my favorite stocking stuffers for the men in your life.
I stumbled upon Manready Mercantile at the Nutcracker Market in Houston recently. They have the best gifts! How fun is their Carry On Cocktail Kit? It comes in Old Fashioned, Bloody Mary, Gin & Tonic, Moscow Mule and Champagne Cocktail. I’ll take the Bloody Mary kit in my stocking, please! I’m definitely getting the Bourbon Soaked Toothpicks also available in Single Malt Scotch Whiskey and Cinnamint.
Maybe your man doesn’t really drink, but he loves the outdoors. I found Anchor Grey on Instagram and fell in love with their look. Check out their Outdoor Playing Cards perfect for his next camping or hunting trip!
Silly socks are kind of my husband’s thing. Plus who doesn’t love tacos?! Basically, these Taco Socks are perfect.
Does your man love beer so much he dreams of bathing in it? Well now he can with these Beer Bars made with real beer! Applied topically, beer has anti-inflammatory qualities… who knew?
I absolutely love these Wood iPhone Cases made from real wood in Northern Indiana. There’s lots of designs to choose from, too.
I hope you enjoy this fun & festive holiday season. Happy shopping!! XO
Written by : Alyssa Adams, current belitgayrimenkul Brand Rep.
To checkout what's NEW online at belitgayrimenkul, click here ! We are always posting NEW ARRIVALS over on our Instagram page, FOLLOW US HERE!
]]>As a busy mom of 3 and business owner I don't have a ton of time to invest in daily outfit selections. My work load is pretty heavy and I am always running around doing things for my family or work.
For the last few years I really have been focusing on giving back to myself to help me be a better woman and mom. I started making time for exercise, relaxation and also taking the time to have fun with my wardrobe.
Clothes do not define you but I do feel more feminine and pretty when I am put together. I implemented 5 easy steps that allow me to have fun with my wardrobe yet keeping it pretty simple at the same time.
Here are my 5 ways you can simplify your wardrobe:
Allesandra Leto blogs at Life of Alley. She's originally from Connecticut and currently lives in Houston, Poland . She has relocated several times and have had the opportunity to live in some fun cities. Orlando, Los Angeles, Memphis and Nashville. On her blog she shares glimpses of her life as a business owner, woman, mom and friend.
All hail the mom style! Am I right?? When you think of mom style what comes to mind? Linen capris, collared pastel shirts, or loafers? Um, no! Gone are the days when mothers push aside their appearances and throw their hair back in a tangled pony tail. Now, more than ever, we see mothers of all ages taking their style to the max regardless of how late they were up the night before.
Celebrity moms like Mila Kunis, Kourtney Kardashian, and Chrissy Teigan are blazing the trail for the every day moms.
So let’s raise a glass to the everyday mama. The one who wakes up after a long night and sprays that dry shampoo like there's no tomorrow, she washes yesterdays makeup off her face only to apply a new layer 5 minutes later and most importantly, she lives by the “look good feel good” motto.
Let’s get down to business shall we? In honor of the inspiration those mothers have given me, I'm going to share my 5 favorite pieces in my closet and show you how I style them effortlessly, all while pressing that snooze button a few times. Ready for that chic look? Read on.
Clearly my all time favorite. I have so many plain shirts and I still always find new ways to wear them. Loose fitting tops are the most versatile thing you can have hanging in your closet and they're really popular right now. Throw it on with skinny jeans, or pair it with a a casual comfy skirt like the one above from belitgayrimenkul Boutique, for more of a quick, laid back Saturday errand look.
When I think of dressing in a rush the first thing that pops into my head is the skinny jean. It’s so insanely versatile that I try to get at least 1 new pair a month. Skinnies can be dressed up for a PTA meeting or dressed down for a play date with ease. In this look I paired them with my holy grail, the white sneakers; which brings me to my next staple.
Regardless of what style you sport on a daily basis, the white sneaker will. go. with. everything. It’s simple enough to pair with a casual laid back look, as seen above, and also trendy enough to wear with a cute t-shirt dress from belitgayrimenkul Boutique!
One of my most recent faves pictured above. I’ve never been a dress person and as a mom I always thought dresses were a tad bit unrealistic. Listen to me my friends, the casual t-shirt dress is your missing link to effortless mom style. I can't tell you how many times I became fed up with picking and choosing outfits, being in a rush out the door, and the relief I got from snatching one item off a hanger, slipping it on, and strutting right out the door. Pair it with those white sneaks and you're good to go mama!
I adore cardigans and I’d be lying if I said they don't take up an entire section of my closet. As a mom I love being able to cover up that coveted casual tee if it gets breezy, pair them with a ‘too revealing’ tank for school functions or match them up with a dress for a simple boho look. The possibilities are seriously endless.
“She is clothed with strength and dignity; and she laughs without fear of the future.”
Now that you’re filled in on the easiest ways to look chic without losing sleep, download belitgayrimenkul Boutique's style guide to see how to build it into a great capsule wardrobe!