Cozy Chic + Chi Chi London

Oversized long sleeve knit - F21

Joga Jeans - Silver Jeans

Necklace - Thrifted

Oversized Beanie - F21

Clutch - Chi Chi London

Oversized long sleeve knit - F21

Joga Jeans - Silver Jeans

Necklace - Thrifted

Oversized Beanie - F21

Clutch - Chi Chi London

Happy Friday!

The weather is beginning to warm up a bit, so I've taken advantage and am getting as many outfit shots in as possible. On top of that I wanted to show you this new clutch I adore from Chi Chi London. I wanted to pair it with a casual yet cozy outfit because that's just totally my style. I would totally wear it out and about as well, but nowadays out and about means running errands! :) 

Today is my baby girl's birthday! I cannot believe she is 1 year old already! 

Here's a few pics over the year that I love!

I just love her :)

Have a great weekend!

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Hybrid + Let Your Light Shine Thursday!

Happy Thursday!

Printed Blouse: Hybrid

Acid Black Jeggings: Delia's

Black Booties: Target

Scarf: Gifted

Printed Blouse: Hybrid

Acid Black Jeggings: Delia's

Black Booties: Target

Scarf: Gifted

Hey!

Hoping the week is winding down great for you. There have been many things changing in my life recently! I have accepted a new position working in marketing/social media at a large retailer and today is actually my last day at my current employer! Bittersweet, but so excited for what the new job and New Year are bringing to me! 

This will also be my last week doing Let Your Light Shine here at I'm Perfectly Human. Beginning Monday, you will be able to follow me and my journey at Spoonfuloffaith.com! But don't you fret, there will be a lot of great things going on there. Let Your Light Shine will continue on Aisha's blog Made With Zeal!

Lastly, I wanted to talk about this pretty printed blouse I am sporting c/o Hybrid. They are an amazing brand from the UK, and although their clothing is super dressy, I decided to try and wear this shirt in a different way. I think I succeeded in what I was looking to do. What do you think?

Today is Let Your Light Shine Thursday!

You know what time it is, let that beautiful light shine!
Each week we appreciate those of you who come by to share your posts on fashion, beauty, faith, love, and all the in between.

Today we are sharing a post from  I Spy Oby.

She featured a great ensemble last link-up from her Winter Wonderland post, plus she was one of the most visited links. Great job, Oby!

RULES: 

1. Link up your favorite post this week - It can be related to faith, fashion, food, family, or whatever else you would like to share that helped you shine your light from the week!

Don't worry if you don't have a blog to link up - just leave a comment with how you let your light shine this week!

2. Follow I'm Perfectly Human & Made with Zeal on Bloglovin, or any other social media outlet (FB, Twitter, Instagram, or GFC)

3. Link back by using the button above or your own link.

4. Visit other blogs and meet new blogger friends!

Each week we will be choosing our favorite posts to feature and share with you all! So link up for your chance to be featured!!

<div align="center">
<a href="http://truesoulandspirit.blogspot.com/shine" title="Let Your Light Shine"><img src="http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l63/AishaLeuthardt/LetYourLightShine.png" alt="Let Your Light Shine" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Linking up: WIWT, Treasure Tromp, Week's End

-J

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An InLinkz Link-up

Choose To Love.

Happy Friday!

Green Cardigan - Heartbreakers

Blue Bird Blouse - Nordstrom Rack

Blue Denim - Nordstrom Rack

Brown Booties - Steve Madden

Hope the end of the week is winding down great! I wanted to quickly talk about something I just recently learned this morning. Yes, literally about an hour ago. Its about love. Something we all know so little or so much about.

Well let me tell you, the older I get, the more complicated love becomes. Love used to be a feeling I got when I saw my crush. I soon learned that wasn't really love at all. Then I felt love was putting up with your sisters when you fought over clothes. But I've grown to know love isn't that either. And then I knew I had figured it out when I met A.

But funny thing is, I am learning what love is all over again. I am learning love is a choice, and not ruled by emotions. It is a decision to put others needs in front of your own. It’s the choice you make when you really want to buy that new pair of shoes, but you know a friend that needs the money and you give to them. Let me tell you, I am not at that point of love yet. But I am learning that, this type of love is what I want.

This morning I learned about choosing love. When faced with tough situations, being upset and making others feel just as miserable as you becomes an obvious first choice for many. But this morning, love popped its head around the corner at me and said “You can choose to still do right by those who hurt you.” And although it seemed so much harder to do right, it felt so good and immediately the situation changed. Walls were broken, bad feelings were melted, and love won. It won.

So, I just wanted to encourage each of you to choose love. Sometimes we get so upset with others, or we feel wronged or hurt by others – we often are mean to them and treat them poorly. But love taught me this morning that having grace and mercy in those times is a show of true divine love. It taught me how Christ looks and deals with me – with grace and mercy. And so I want you all to choose love, or just think of this post this weekend.

I would love to hear if you have ever experienced this, or decided to overcome evil with good? I’ve talked about before when I am having a bad day, I go and buy someone at work or in the drive thru a coffee. It helps me to be the light and be good when I can see none. It really helps!

Hoping you have a love-filled weekend!! :)

-J

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Facing Fears: Loneliness

Blouse - Cotton On

Black Sleeveless Sweater - Thrifted - $7!

Blue Denim - Gap

Brown Booties - Steve Madden

Happy Friday!

Hope the end of the week is winding down great for you. It is always much deserved every week when I meet up with Friday. The weather here has been gorgeous lately, and I have a few things planned this weekend so it should be nice. I am planning to attend the MN Blogger Conference, a People Style Watch event for Silver Jeans, and likely a movie with the hubs. On top of those, always spending time with family and God.

So in closing out this work week, I wanted to continue the facing fears series. We’ve discussed the fear of failure, the fear of rejection, and today we will focus on the fear of loneliness.

The fear of loneliness or being alone

 It can be shared not only by those who are single, or those who have may have a minimal number of outside relationships with others, but can also be a reality for those who have huge support systems visibly present. Loneliness looks different for many people. It can mean you always need a partner or you feel inadequate. It can mean you must always be in a social setting to feel your best. It could even mean you are scared or feel unsafe when you are alone at night.  It can mean that you feel no one understands you and you are facing life alone.

I've experienced this first hand when I became pregnant. I felt like I was the only one going through what I was experiencing. It is a feeling of isolation and disconnection with others. It’s tough to be in a place like that, but there is hope. There is an answer to the equation. Christ is the only one that knows your deepest thoughts and feelings, and can help you overcome them.

What has helped me:

Leaning completely on Jesus.

Believe it or not, but in many of those situations where I felt alone – I would pray for those that I felt didn’t understand me. I would ask God to help me be a better friend to them. I would ask him to heal my heart. To help me appreciate the people that I did have. Help me to see them as he sees them. I would ask him to give me understanding. Help me to see clues as to why I am in this situation right now, was it for me to have a story in the future that may help someone? Was it for me to learn that he is always there? Was it for me to understand I have no control over other people and their actions and I must trust in him? I learned so much during that time by leaning on him. That is what he wants, that is what he is there for.

Understanding that man will fail. 

We are humans, we will make promises and sometimes even if not intentionally they will get broken. God is the only one who is truly his word. I remember thinking – they said they would always be there for me. I felt alone and I felt lied to. I felt like if someone truly cared about me they would reach out. The truth is, I have told many of my friends that I would be there for them and meant it. And there have been many of missed calls on my cell phone. Jesus is the only one that is always, ALWAYS there. In the middle of the night when you know you no one will answer, he will. Even if just to listen to our most inner cries and thoughts. And through it all we must show grace and mercy in those situations to those we feel abandoned by, just as Christ has shown to us.

Looking for the silver lining. 

It’s hard. I mean how do you look for a silver lining when you lose someone? How do you see the good in that? How do you see the light in a dark place of loneliness? How do you see it when you've been through bad relationship after bad relationship? But its there somewhere. It may take years until you figure it out, or might be right away. It could be for a greater cause, it could be to teach you something. I had to go through bad relationships before I appreciated a good one. I had to feel alone to understand how to offer support to others. I had to experience the pain of loss, to appreciate and live the life I was given. And if you don’t know what it is, accept that you may not understand in this season but know all things work together for the good of those who love God.

Reaching out to others.

 I put this last for a couple reasons. It’s said the last thing you read is usually the one that sticks with you, but I really put this last because that is usually the last thing we think or want to do in these situations. We fight ourselves, with “they don’t care” or “I need to be strong.” But God put us all on this earth for a reason, and it’s to be a help to each other. We have to rely on other people sometimes! They may be the one who he speaks through to give you hope and understanding. Invite them out to dinner, to get out and about. Taking your focus off of your lonely thoughts and engaging with others may help you through this time.

What things have helped you?

Can you relate?

Do you ever feel like you are alone? 

Have a great weekend!

-J

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5 Date Night Activities You Must Do with Your Honey in October

Happy Hump Day!

Leather Dress - Poppy Lux

Cheetah Heels - Heartbreakers

Gold Name Necklace - By Faith Accessories

Gold Chain Bracelet - Gift from my Mom

When I put this dress on, immediately I felt sexy and put together. Poppy Lux gave me the pleasure of beholding this beauty, and I am loving every minute of it. It goes well with cheetah print - what doesn't? And the beautiful gold name necklace from By Faith Accessories.
(this month's sponsor, check out the discount on the sidebar, yal!)

This dress got me pumped up for a date night. Me and A have been trying to be more intentional about having alone time lately. After the wedding and new baby, we have to make it important to get back to us! There's one thing about fall, its like perfect date season! The weather is cool but not too hot, you can cozy up somewhere, or dress up your comfy look for a night out together. In continuing from my 5 activities you must do with your kids, (remember this?) I am gearing up for 5 activities you must do with your honey this October.

1.Go to a football game 
Tis the season for sports. Although, I am not the first to jump at turning to ESPN, going to a live game is exciting and fun. It can be a local high school or college, or a national team (let's not get started on the Vikings..), either way it will be a great thing to do on a weekend as you enjoy some time out with a warm coffee or cocoa in hand, rooting your team on!

2. Hit up a hay ride
These are fun if they are haunted! Take the honey out for a night at a local festive fair, or just go for the ride. There is a local spot, Trail of Terror, that has a haunted trail and also live music, hay rides, and more. Although, the last time me and A went our hay ride got stuck in the middle of the forest at night (Talk about spooky!) it was still a great time!

3. Plan a cuddle date
Don't feel like weathering the chilly nights? Netflix or Redbox are welcome in this one. Get some of your favorite movies, or ones you can't wait to see, bottle of wine or hot apple cider, popcorn, and comfy spot and you've got an instant cuddly night.

4. Volunteer Together
This should really be a year round activity, however in the next coming months the push will be greater to give to those without. Plan a day where you can volunteer at a local charity and give back to those in need. Grab a bite to eat or coffee before or after the event. It will make you feel all warm inside.

5. Visit a pumpkin patch, orchard, or corn maze
These activities are live and well during this time. We have one right up the street from us. This is great if you have kids, or even if not. Picking apples to make some sweet treats, grabbing a pumpkin for dessert or decor, or just seeing who can make it through the corn maze fastest. It will all be gone soon, so get out and enjoy it!

Ok! I'm taking my own advice and working to get at least a few of these under my belt in the next couple weeks!

Have a great day!!

- J

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Chi Chi London

Happy Monday!

Floral Print Dress c/o ChiChi London

Denim Jacket - Thrifted! $7!

Brown/White Booties c/o Dresswe

How was your weekend?

I worked on things in my shop, made tie blankets with a group from my church, and met my friend's newborn twin babies. It made me think about how big my little baby grace has grown, and how she is definitely not a newborn anymore! I really have to hold on to these days and memories we are experiencing right now!

This beautiful, fun and flirty dress is from Chi Chi London. I love the material of it, its great quality and the fit accentuates where it needs to and gives room where that is needed too. I paired it with this awesome denim jacket I got from thrifting this past week! You guys I have been experiencing thrifting heaven! :) And cannot forget the booties. I love them from Dresswe. I wish I had a better shot of them, because they are just so fab - if you follow me on instagram I did have a better shot of them a few weeks back. 

Anywho, I hope you have an amazing start to your week! 

- J

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Linking up with More Pieces of Me + On the Daily Express, Join The Gossip + I Have A Degree In This, Pink Sole + Cha Cha The Fashion Genius, The Fashionista Momma, Style Elixir, The Glossy Blonde,Walking in Memphis in High Heels, I Do DeClaire, Life’s a Party Dress Like It, Sew Crafty Angel Monday Bloom, Style to Inspire , Beautiful You, Week's End  , Monday Bloom, Style Sessions , Trend Spin, I feel pretty, What I Wore, Tucker Up, Your Whims Weds, Tre Chic, Working Girl Working Style,, Stylish Saturday, Mix it Mondays,, Stylish Tuesdays, Transatlantic Blonde, Stylin in St Louis, WWIW, turn it up tuesday, the creative closet

Facing Fears: Fear of Rejection

Happy Friday!

Black Striped Shirt - ASOS

Black Pencil Skirt - H&M

Black Booties - Shopreflection.com I believe...

Gold Chain Necklace - Thrifted!

Hope this week is winding down nicely for you! To continue our fear series - I am going to focus on the fear of rejection today!Fear of rejection has had its 15 minutes of fame, a time or two for many. For most it begins as wanting to belong or feel accepted by others. Most of my encounters with this feeling have been in looking for a job, forming new relationships (dating/friendships), and maintaining old ones. 

Some have even experienced this by being forced to care about things by others. Your father wants you to be a doctor, so you pursue a path in life to be accepted as the 'good child' by him. Often times people resort to phoniness in trying to pretend they are something that they are not. Not being their true selves that God created them to be. People-pleasing also arrives when dealing with this fear. 

The word, "No."

It all starts with the word "No." When we were little, we hated hearing this word. I have a 9 month old and everytime I tell her "No" she gives me this look like she does not like that word! Its telling her you can't do this, or you can't have that, or not your way - but this way instead. 

God tells us "No" all the time. If we listen or not, is another story. I've been on both sides of situation. I know when I follow and listen to God, things always work out. But we are wired to wanting to do things we want to do, our way. 

We should understand that good things can come in funny packages sometimes. Being told no or being rejected has never been fun or easy for anyone. The trick is learning to embrace that the answer "No" can always be a possibility when asking or reaching for something. "No" may not the end. It may just be like a parent telling a child, "No, not right now" or "No, not that way." When you look at it in that perspective it can help you see it better. I know my parents had good intentions for me, they would say "No" for good reason. Even though I didn't understand it then, did it make it less of a good reason? No. (No pun intended)

With Christ we can have confidence in our future. Knowing that no matter what the outcome may be, if we love and live for Him that closed doors can mean better opportunities ahead. Romans 8:28, one of my favorites says:

"And we know all things work together for good to them that love God, to them that are called according to his purpose."

We are not always going to know the reason we are being told "No". Heck, sometimes we may feel we are well qualified, well suited and ready and willing to take on what we are reaching for. But many times when we are told "No," we get upset. We get frustrated and we take our eyes off of the prize. Not remembering, we can still get there, but it may be a different way. 

Embracing the journey, the yes's and no's, the good with the bad, and seeing it all in one big picture. If we follow Christ through it all, it all will be beautifully weaved together to discovering and fulfilling our purpose here on earth. If we look at each speck on the paper, we can see bad, hurt, and disappointing times. But all together with the good it can be seen as a beautiful picture. Painted perfectly. 

What are you experiences with fear of rejection?

I would love for you to share you thoughts and comments below, you never know when you may be helping someone!!

Have a great weekend!

-J

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Pep Talk: 7 Ways to Uplift Yourself

Happy Hump Day!

Black Crop Jacket - Thrifted $5!

Peach Collared Shirt - Heartbreaker

Blue Denim Jeans - Nordstrom Rack (?)

Black Fringe Booties - Gift from Mom

Gold Fringe Necklace - Len Druskin

 I hope the middle of the week brings you joy! I almost drove myself crazy yesterday and it deserves to be shared. I am happy with my life and where it is right now, but how many of you can relate to feeling antsy about something? I've been super antsy with what ifs about the future, that its driving me to not appreciate the present. I found myself starting to have a shorter fuse, starting to be paranoid about thinking others were trying to hold me back or upset me. I started to doubt and get upset and impatient about my present state. Taking on the I want it now attitude! Or the I don't care about anything right now because I just want to make it already! Or the if this person does this or that, I'm just done with everything!

Have you ever felt that?

God stopped me right in the middle of my doubting, pessimistic thoughts. Gave me a pep talk right there and then - when I really needed it, and it helped!

I am sharing 7 ways to uplift yourself when your waiting, when you feel wronged, or just having a bad day. I want you to know you can keep trekking and enjoy your present status so you can truly appreciate your future. I am hoping these will help you today!

1. Respect the Process. 

You have to be able to work in someone else's yard, before you can truly appreciate your own. We live in an "I want it now" world, where everything is basically at your fingertips. The one thing that we cannot control is our future. Put in good works today, and reap the benefits of them tomorrow. But appreciate and learn today. Tomorrow will come and it will be well worth the wait. Getting antsy and jumping the gun, is the first step to being led astray and becoming distracted with the situation at hand. It will pass, but you need to understand there is a process to it all and in this process you are gaining something, where you see it yet or not. 

-1 Peter 2:19-23

2. Have compassion for others. 

This is by far one of the hardest, but most important. We are supposed to love our brother, no matter what. Even when we feel like they're critiquing us, putting too much on us, or their being just plain ol' mean. But putting ourselves in our neighbors shoes for a few minutes allows us to see things from another point of view, even if we don't agree or like it - we can try to bridge the gap in understanding their actions. This helps us to let go of  hurt and strife, and focus on love - which is the greatest Kingdom principle. 

-Mark 12:31

3. Take responsibility for your feelings. 

We get worked up and upset, or sad, but then we forget that we can choose our emotions. Those nasty things hit us really hard and although it may seem impossible, you've done it before and you can do it again. Take control by telling yourself "I can look for the good in this situation." And really do that, look for the good - it's there somewhere. I've told myself many times, "Okay Jena, pull yourself together!" I've made myself believe a different perspective, even when I really didn't believe it - ex:"They did not intentionally mean to hurt your feelings.This will help you realize that no matter who is right or wrong - its up to you to determine how you are going to choose to deal with it. Don't let your feelings rule over you or be your excuse for po. 

-Ephesians 4:26

4. Think on good things.

Your coffee was spectacular this morning! Yay, you got a good score on your assignment! You have a loving family! You are alive to see another beautiful day that many are not seeing right now! Being happy over the little things and celebrating little wins help to build you up bit by bit. 

-Phillipians 4:8

5. Take advantage of 'Now'. 

Taking your eyes off of the situation or distraction, and placing it back on God will do more than help you, He'll likely show you the tasks that still need to be done before you get where you are trying to do. Sometimes we want to get the big promotion, but we do not have experience in doing presentations, or managing others. Taking this time that you are waiting, to test out and try out opportunities around you will help you prepare for your future, and in the same moment forget about the antsy things that are bothering you. Making a decision to continue your good works, even if things are taking longer than usual, will help you in the long run. Keeping your focus on Christ and he will lead you to where you need to go today. 

 -Isaiah 26:3

6. Give. 

It is so important to be charitable. Giving is not only a Kingdom principle to God - it is a feel good booster. It always makes you feel better to do something for someone else, to help a person in need, to volunteer your time to building another person up. It not only helps you to boost your mood, but it also helps someone else and guess what? You are no longer thinking about all of those things you were so antsy about before. If you decided each day to write down something you must do for someone that day and just put your focus there, it would be amazing to see what you could accomplish. Try it. 

-Luke 6:38

7. Dress for the future.

I don't know about you, maybe its being a fashion blogger - but something about a good outfit makes me beam. No lie, when I get up and get dressed and feel like I look great, I feel great. When you are feeling down, the worst thing you can do is lounge around in sweats all day, or roll out of bed. Although, its hard it will be a huge mood boost for you in a troubled time because its hard to have a bad attitude when you feel so good :) We also want to dress ourselves with good qualities and thoughts each day. Putting on an "I can do all things" smile, will not only help you feel good but it will make you begin to believe what you are saying - win/win!

-Ephesians 4:22-24; Phillipians 4:13

I hope these were a help to you and continue to help you along your way! 

Have a great day!

- J

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More Pieces of Me + On the Daily Express, Join The Gossip + I Have A Degree In This, Pink Sole + Cha Cha The Fashion Genius, The Fashionista Momma, Style Elixir, The Glossy Blonde,Walking in Memphis in High Heels, I Do DeClaire, Life’s a Party Dress Like It, Sew Crafty Angel Monday Bloom, Style to Inspire , Beautiful You, Week's End  , Monday Bloom, Style Sessions , Trend Spin, I feel pretty, What I Wore, Tucker Up, Your Whims Weds, Tre Chic, Working Girl Working Style,, Stylish Saturday, Mix it Mondays,, Stylish Tuesdays, Transatlantic Blonde, Stylin in St Louis, WWIW,  Hump Day, thrifting Divas What Wives Wear