Simply Styled 1.27

The last couple years we have been obsessed with tall boots especially in the winter months.  This year it is all ankle booties!!  Don't get me wrong this is not the most practical style of boot for Minnesota winters...but we improvise!  

I just picked up these cute suede booties for under $60 and just had to share!  I love the open ankles on these and they go with just about everything in my closet!  They also come in black suede which are just as cute! 

Click the link below for details on these boots, as well as some others on our favorites list...

Simply Inspired: Sara Godfrey: Women's Spa and Fashion Night

We are so excited to have Sara Godfrey with us on the blog today.  She is such a beautiful, amazing, and talented woman...and she is beyond inspiring! Several years ago it was put on her heart to create a night dedicated to helping women connect with other women. A night that is filled with relaxation, networking, and pampering.  A chance for women to empower each other, inspire each other, and share their hearts and faith with each other.  We are "Simply Inspired"....

About Me:

My name is Sara Godfrey and I am a Minnesota born and raised middle child. I grew up writing poems, hoarding "treasures" { from various flea markets and thrift stores} and creating random things. Every report card I received said I talked too much. As a little girl I  wanted to own a coffee shop  and be  a designer. I am currently a {coffee loving} cleaning business owner and  going to school full time to become the Interior designer that I dreamed of being! I have been married to my best friend, Justin, for almost 16 years and we have 3 crazy, fun, talented children. Isaiah, 13, Owen, 10 and Vivian 7. I love Crossfit, shopping, anything to do with homes and design, fashion, food, traveling and getting together with my friends and family.

Women's Spa and Fashion Night...How it all started:
 

10 years ago, the Women's ministry that I am a part of at my church was trying to think of new, fun, out of the box ways to get ladies together.  A "Spa" Night was an idea that I had and it came into fruition. I am a huge fan of gatherings of women of all ages, backgrounds, experiences etc. There is power in that. We are all meant to learn and share and inspire and be inspired by one another. Everyone has a story. 

The first Spa Night we had was a small event at the church with about 40 women. It was filled with women sharing their hearts, laughter, coffee, delicious food, {a.k.a. chocolate fountain and all the fixings}  manicures, pedicures and of course prayers and encouragement. Little did I know that it would be the start of such an amazing  annual women's event turned outreach.  It's truly such a multi faceted evening that is now filled with shopping, fashion shows, encouraging speakers, coffee, chocolate, fun activities, live music, live painters, pampering services, TONS of prizes, ladies to pray for you if you desire, giveaways and so much more! All free, but with opportunities to purchase tickets for chances to win prizes. 100% of these proceeds goes towards a local charity. 

2016 Donation Recipient:

This year it is U.C.A.N. In years past it has been organizations like Birthright, Titus 2 Homes, Food Shelf and Someplace Safe to name a few. How exciting is that? I would love for everyone to know that the heart behind this outreach is to unite us all as women. It lets us all come together and share life, laugh and support each other I want everyone to be encouraged. To be supported. To come and not feel judged, and to have an opportunity to be a blessing to others and be blessed. 

The community really pulls together to create the evening. We truly have an amazing out pour of volunteers. My team of event coordinators do things with excellence and I couldn't pull this off without them!  There are a lot of opportunities to participate. We have vendors and volunteers from local businesses that donate their time and resources to pamper the ladies, local artists and musicians donating their time and talents, businesses from the community that share their products and time to pull this event off. We also have a fabulous team of men that run our valet service. The ladies attending can enjoy so many things all while supporting the local charity with chances to win prizes. It's a win win for everyone and I honestly LOVE this time of the year.

We have a Facebok page that keeps you updated called Women's Annual Spa and Fashion Night, check it out! For anyone that wants to be involved they can contact me directly at sarajgodfrey@gmail.com.

~Sara Godfrey

 

How to Dutch Braid

We are in love with braids!! Especially beautiful dutch braids! We teamed up with Jill from Studio C Salon to teach us the how to on a dutch braid.  

Step 1/ Start with 3 strands in front starting at the part.

Step 2/ Take the strand on the right and cross it underneath the middle strand.Then take the left strand and cross it underneath the middle. 

  

Step 3/ Add more hair by picking up a small section of loose hair and combine with the right strand, and cross under the middle. Repeat on the left side. Keep repeating all the way down the side.

Step 4/ Continue the dutch braid by crossing the side strands underneath the middle section.

Step 5/ To blouse the braid, start at the top of the braid and pinch the outer strand, pulling it up. Make sure not to grab the entire strand, just the outside of it.  

Step 6/ Continue on each side until desired volume is achieved. Tie off the end with a small elastic band.

The best thing about this dutch braid is that there are multiple looks that can come from just this one braid....(1) Sweep into a side pony. (2) Leave it down and curl the rest of your hair. or (3) Pull it back into a bun. 

Don't get discouraged the first time you try.  Sometimes it takes a few practices before you get it just the way you want it!  

We want to see your beautiful braids so please share below!!