January – 2014 – Garay Treasures

Melancholy Friday

January 31, 2014

Today I was up and down about it being Friday. I mean the ups of the day included getting to workout with a new workout dvd (thanks for the suggestions in the last post); and my son Xander said several phrases.

The downs included money being tight after bills and actual time to myself. Normally time to myself would make me feel thrilled but somehow as I sat alone in Barnes & Noble looking through Nylon and Harpers Bazaar magazine I just felt awful. Before I lost my job teaching two years ago I would go sit in that same Barnes & Noble and throw a pity party over how rough teaching was and how I didn’t feel it was for me full time (I had other personal issues too, was pregnant with Xander and had some depression) so I guess all of those feelings came back to me and HARD. There were moments I wanted to cry today over my past with teaching full time and there were moments I just wished things had been different. I don’t consider myself a good teacher or people person and I have confidence issues. These are things I know the enemy (satan) wants to use against me and so several times today I had to just pray and let God know how I truly felt. That being said let me shed some truth.

Truth, God loves me in my good and bad days. He wants me to come to Him angry, happy and sad. He loves ugly and beautiful, people who are confident and not confident. Truth, maybe He had other plans for my life beyond teaching and the horrible things I went through. Truth, He is a good God! I don’t know your beliefs but I know mine and My God has been there for me today and everyday so I know he can turn my melancholy moments of this Friday to JOY! So with that said- He gave this Friday a beautiful sunny warm day and gave me His sons life for my salvation and that is joyful enough for me.

3822_10100736270200723_1022301449_n 1014044_10100736277276543_1602715554_n 1546356_10100736303588813_2127373480_n 1625567_10100736298079853_1822850047_n

1017304_10100736293359313_117142201_n 1011244_10100736423743023_173023865_n

Wearing: Top: Tempted Hearts (gift)// Belt: Michael Kors//Leggings: Old Navy// Sunglasses: Target(old)//Sandals: Old Navy (old)//Earrings: Charlotte Russe (old).

Oh and another joy: Xander turned 21 months yesterday:

1555382_10100735465183983_1031289836_n

Have a safe and happy weekend!

Fun day Monday is a blog hop hosted by Molly and Carly.

Just started a new blOg hop called Social Tuesdays- check it out from Christine (clkfashions.blogspot.com)and Iris (loveirisblog.blogspot.com). Have fun! Blog hopping is my new friend but like any blog hop if they follow you- follow them 🙂 fair! Can’t wait girls! Click on the bird icon below to get started!

And the same girls (along with cohost Saumya of www.myraidmusings.net) came up with this blog hop so link up and party:

6 Comments

I’m a mommy and I know it…I work out!

January 30, 2014

Yeah right! I try, I try! Being a mommy can be rough sometimes on the body. I mean there is being pregnant with the child(ren) and having a tough time staying at a weight before the pregnancy. But recently I felt the need to work out/stretch a few nights a week for 10-20 minutes at night when the kids go to bed. Boy is it discipline and also I don’t know if I do enough so please SHARE some tips with me on what I can do and that won’t require a lot of stomping, romping or noise. It would be much appreciated!

1618495_10100732087153583_1599649301_n

Wearing- Tennies: O Champion (Target for $35.99)// Pants: No boundaries (old)//Nude Camisole: a.n.a//Active Wear Jacket: Old Navy (old).

Honestly I would love to walk/play Frisbee golf regularly like I used too, but having to tote kids around for that especially in winter is no picnic. My hubby and I hope to join a new gym soon with a water park in it and free childcare with monthly membership- but we will see!

Thank you for reading and all your comments and following up on me, it means a lot. Lots of love, Rachel

>
Powered by Linky Tools

Click here to enter your link and view this Linky Tools list…

Fun day Monday is a blog hop hosted by Molly and Carly.

6 Comments

Snooooow you were saying…..

January 30, 2014

Yesterday it snowed maybe an inch or more, but let me tell you I FREAKED out!

I was worried that because it was snowing all day and night that we would for sure get more than an inch and that we wouldn’t have enough food or milk (for babies) to last one more day. My hubby normally works 3:30 pm-12am every weekday so I thought for sure he would get snowed in at his work and I would be stuck with no coffee..extra food…or help for a day. With constant prayer, God heard me, and my hubby came home at his normal time (12:30 or 12:45am) and without sliding that I know of or any complications. I took several pictures but these were my favorites!

1796513_10100732940308853_1628323694_n

1795492_10100734223856613_1192276350_n

1795492_10100734223856613_1192276350_n 1779177_10100734221700933_1175615542_n

Nevaeh was out of school so she participated in story time at the library today with Xander and of course the infant/toddler music class was enjoyable for the kids.

1557511_10100734345677483_234887694_n

SOmetimes family time at home is all you need 😉

1794811_10100734076616683_1441905993_n

923413_10100734074730463_1589297150_n

Be careful everybody if you have snow or whatever else that is!

What is your favorite thing to do when it snows?

>
Powered by Linky Tools

Click here to enter your link and view this Linky Tools list…

Fun day Monday is a blog hop hosted by Molly and Carly.

2 Comments

Days (and outfits) of our lives

January 28, 2014

Thank you to everyone who has started following me and those who have left comments in the past few posts. They mean a lot! I love following people through bloglovin so stop by often and remember to follow me! Much love! and remember you are a treasure! Enjoy this post.

I spent my Saturday morning and afternoon napping and bonding time with my brother Jonathan (my only biological sibling, since the other 11 are adopted. Yes! there are 13 of us and I am the oldest). The kids (minus Xander and my hubby :) came along with us for coffee.

What I wore Saturday- Earrings: Charlotte Russe (old)// Coat: Mossimo Supply & Co (bought at Target 5 years ago on sale)//Shirt: Faded Glory (Christmas gift)// Scarf: Target (old)//Leggings: Underarmour//Boots: Yoki (style Maya 11) bought at Plato's Closet for $10// Purse: Michael Kors (NY).

Sunday was awesome! God is good! I loved the message our preacher preached on (A.S.K-Ask, Seek, Knock). As God's children we need to be persistent in praying and God will provide or answer in His timing, and sometimes in ways we never imagined, but I was reminded of how blessed I am and I only need to remember to give Him glory for all He does.

Since I dug out my wedding jewelry (haven't worn since) and found a black poncho like shirt in a box in our basement I decided to pair the two for Sunday.

Wore on Sunday- Lip Gloss: Just Hollywood by Michael Kors// Shirt: unknown brand//Leggings: Charlotte Russe ($9.99)//Heels: Fabulaire (Goodwill)//Purse: Merona (Target from last winter season)//Jewelry (5 years old from JCPenny).

Wore on Monday: Black dress: Michael Kors (old from a MK outlet in 2010)//Scarf:Calvin Klein// Leggings: Underarmour//Boots: Life Stride (given to me from sister Annalise' closet)// Coat: Mossimo (Target from last fall).

Just for fun today:

Coat: Mossimo//Flats: Merona ($15.99 at Target)//Sweat pants: Jerzees

Rachel

> Powered by Linky Tools

Click here to enter your link and view this Linky Tools list...

Fun day Monday is a blog hop hosted by Molly and Carly.

Just started a new blOg hop called Social Tuesdays- check it out from Christine (clkfashions.blogspot.com)and Iris (loveirisblog.blogspot.com). Have fun! Blog hopping is my new friend but like any blog hop if they follow you- follow them 🙂 fair! Can't wait girls! Click on the bird icon below to get started!

3 Comments

I <3 MK and kids

January 25, 2014

wearing: Flats: Michael Kors/MK (gift/old)// Purse: MK (wedding gift from NY)//Shirt: MK (old from TJ Maxx)// Cardigan: MK (from Goodwill/gift)// Camisole: A.N.A (old)// Pants: Motherhood// Pearl Bracelet: Kay Jewelers store (Birthday present from 5 years back)// Pearl necklace: Gift from mom unknown brand//Pearl earrings: Henebry's Jewelry store (3 years old).

The title to this posts says it all- I love MK (Michael Kors) and my kids, but I wanted to wear [most] of my MK stuff and I did, to McDonalds and the Library today. A bit extreme and these pictures do no justice but I thought I looked pretty nice and casual for some fun today. I am my own critic but I would say the outfit would have looked better with some tan or suede boots but these are not in my budget right now but I do plan to invest in some (or snag my sister Annalise's cute Kensie tan boots). To see or read up on my MK items and their history read up on this post here.

Library time today:

In the last photo I captured Nevaeh as she poses/dances in our living room. She took tap and ballet last year and hated it up to the recital (where she got to dress in her costume pictured above and perform on stage for two nights) and boy I tell you she did awesome.

I hope everyone has a great and restful weekend. What are yours plans?

> Powered by Linky Tools

Click here to enter your link and view this Linky Tools list...

Fun day Monday is a blog hop hosted by Molly and Carly.

Just started a new blOg hop called Social Tuesdays- check it out from Christine (clkfashions.blogspot.com)and Iris (loveirisblog.blogspot.com). Have fun! Blog hopping is my new friend but like any blog hop if they follow you- follow them 🙂 fair! Can't wait girls! Click on the bird icon below to get started!

7 Comments

Treasures

January 24, 2014

Possible date night outfit-what do you think?

Wearing: Leggings: Charlotte Russe ($9.99)//Heels/Loafers: American Eagle (gift)// Grey Shirt: Oh baby (old from Kohls)// Sweater: Old Navy (old)// Purse: Merona (last winter from Target). Jewelry-bracelet from a Premier Design party (gift), necklace- unknown brand(gift) and earrings unknown brand but got at TJ Maxx on clearance like 10 years ago.

Also check out this beautiful necklace:

Sorry the pictures aren't too clear, but the silhouette woman charm was a find in my great grandmothers house before an estate sale upon my great grandfathers death when I was about 8 or 9 years old. I never knew her (since she had died before I was born) but still its different, vintage and should remain in the family. As a matter of fact most of my necklaces and jewelry are vintage, or bought at a low clearance price/from yard sales. I rarely visit a jeweler- just saying!

Today my hubby and I took the kids to Lowes to get ideas for future DIY house projects and actual house work. :( I love Lowes and asked my hubby if it was wrong to dream of someone giving us $1,000 plus in Lowes gift cards-he was like dream on. I don't blame him. If there are two stores I love to look in its Lowes and Target.

Enjoy the pictures of the twins while I continue to dream:

Aren't they adorable?!?

Happy Thursday!

> Powered by Linky Tools

Click here to enter your link and view this Linky Tools list...

Fun day Monday is a blog hop hosted by Molly and Carly.

Just started a new blOg hop called Social Tuesdays- check it out from Christine (clkfashions.blogspot.com)and Iris (loveirisblog.blogspot.com). Have fun! Blog hopping is my new friend but like any blog hop if they follow you- follow them 🙂 fair! Can't wait girls! Click on the bird icon below to get started!

2 Comments

Tuesday

January 23, 2014

Yesterday was one of those wasted snow days, when I say wasted I mean "snow all day, but don't be alarmed nothing really happened kind of day." The Melody Makers infant/toddler music class was cancelled for our babies and Nevaeh didn't have school. :sad face: Because money has been tight this week we went to starbucks and took our at-home starbucks coffee grinds bag (it was empty) and took it in to get a free tall ice coffee, and with our gold card awards card with starbucks we got as many free refills to our hearts liking. SOOOOO NICE!!!! I am always sad when coffee is gone though. Then we went to our local library and met new friends who share in our passion for the Lord and family and just all around real people. (This is the second family we have met and clicked with through a library). The libraries here are the "stay at home mom" centers of hangouts. I just love it and to see the same moms and chat a bit (my children participate in storytimes). Since money has been tight we have had to break out the cloth diapers, samples of eco-friendly and homemade laundry detergent, make homemade pancakes and from scratch syrup..yada yada yada- you get creative, believe me!

I am wearing-Coat: Michael Michael Kors (old)/Shirt: charlotte russe(old)/Leggings:underarmour/ Snow boots:earth spirit/ Scarf: Target. I love my family!!

What do you like to do when money is tight?

> Powered by Linky Tools

Click here to enter your link and view this Linky Tools list...

Fun day Monday is a blog hop hosted by Molly and Carly.

Just started a new blOg hop called Social Tuesdays- check it out from Christine (clkfashions.blogspot.com)and Iris (loveirisblog.blogspot.com). Have fun! Blog hopping is my new friend but like any blog hop if they follow you- follow them 🙂 fair! Can't wait girls! Click on the bird icon below to get started!

With love, Rachel Garay

1 Comments

Ooo fun in the sun

January 21, 2014

This morning was cold until my hubby came back from his errand to report that became nice and warm outside that I needed to get the kids outside (since the rest of the week is in the lower 20's burr). Got the kids (and myself) dressed and rather enjoyed ourselves. We ran up and down our backyard hill, the older tikes rode bikes and there was of course time for pictures. You can view the pics below:

I am wearing: Cardigan- Mark (sold by Avon, my best friend Kendall is an Avon representative and gave it to me as a gift last Christmas). Camisole-Old Navy (old)// Hooded Shirt- Michael Kors (Christmas gift)// Pants- Dreamer// Shoes- Merona (Target- and on clearance for $15.99)// Necklace- Vintage Sarah Coventry ( gift from my grandmother)//Both Bracelets- unknown brand but from Platos Closet.

I talked with my hubby recently about giving up on blogging (because honestly it is a waste of time following lots of bloggers/commenting and then getting no feedback, no answers to questions, and hardly any followers). His response was that I post not about whats in my wardrobe but whats going on in my daily life. I am a stay at home mom so I should post about my joys and hardships and everyday loves. In so admitting this look to more posts with family, friends and honesty.

This past weekend most of the household had stomach bugs (myself included) but we did manage to put up a twin bed for Nevaeh and cribs up for the twins. Yes! The twins are on their own now and out of our bedroom (basinets). So far so good, tonight will be their second night in cribs (fingers crossed). Here are pictures below:

Oh and check out the Teavana Blooming Tea I have been enjoying

Happy Monday!!! What did you do fun on your Monday?

" alt="Fun day Monday" />

> Powered by Linky Tools

Click here to enter your link and view this Linky Tools list...

Fun day Monday is a blog hop hosted by Molly and Carly.

Just started a new blOg hop called Social Tuesdays- check it out from Christine (clkfashions.blogspot.com)and Iris (loveirisblog.blogspot.com). Have fun! Blog hopping is my new friend but like any blog hop if they follow you- follow them 🙂 fair! Can't wait girls! Click on the bird icon below to get started!

3 Comments

Simply Black

January 17, 2014

Happy Friday! I hope your day has been exciting knowing the weekend is ahead. Tomorrow my hubby and I go on a date to Mill Mountain Coffee and Tea shop and paint- yes paint glass using letter stencilling with scripture for house décor. My hubby also has ideas to make lamps out of cleaned out/painted soup cans. But that in itself will be a project and secret for another time (so excited)! What are your plans this weekend? As far as the next two pictures-Tank tops with a coat and heels? yes I outdid myself and did something different. What would you do with a tank and heels in winter?

Wearing: Coat- Michael Michael Kors (old), Tank Top: Gap (old), Pants (brandless), Heels: Nine West (old) and bag: Merona(Target from last winter season).

I also liked this outfit when we had the 0 degree weather recently:

Wearing-Coat- Michael Michael Kors (old), Merona(Target from last winter season), Leggings- underarmour, Scarf- Target (last winter season), Boots- Yoki (Maya 11()

> Powered by Linky Tools

Click here to enter your link and view this Linky Tools list...

Fun day Monday is a blog hop hosted by Molly and Carly.

Just started a new blOg hop called Social Tuesdays- check it out from Christine (clkfashions.blogspot.com)and Iris (loveirisblog.blogspot.com). Have fun! Blog hopping is my new friend but like any blog hop if they follow you- follow them 🙂 fair! Can't wait girls! Click on the bird icon below to get started!

1 Comments

memories behind the accesories

January 14, 2014

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Powered by Linky Tools

Click here to enter your link and view this Linky Tools list...

follow the fun day monday blog hop from Carly of Lipglossandcrayons href="http://instagram.com/p/jITpRDm-GN/">

I have had in my head for days now the idea to share with you my closet/make up bag favorites and to tell you the truth nothing gives me more pleasure than the Michael Kors items I own and the story behind each one. I will pose a question at the end of my blog but real quick here is what each item means to me (once again all are Michael Kors/ and some MK glasses are not pictured since they broke but we will pretend they are exhibited). 1). MK monogrammed purse- given to me by my mom on my graduation day from Radford University before receiving my undergrad diploma. From TJ Maxx. 2). Michael Kors purse- a wedding gift from my cousin Kathleen from NY (here hubby got it from MK's personnel NY studio for a steal price since it was a showcase type item). 3). Michael Michael Kors flats (color- Chamois in design Vintage Rose). An I love you gift from my mom on a family trip to Williamsburg, VA. Even though they were from a MK outlet store originally $70, they were marked down to $20. My family had no extra spending money but hey she couldn't resist making me feel lOved. 4).MK Hollywood Lip gloss/perfume combo- given to me by a friend from church (Shauna) from her hometown as a way of lOving me and thinking of me. 5). (not pictured) Black MK sunglasses from TJ Maxx bought from a fellow Radford University CRU bible study peer (Theresa) who knew I loved MK and just wanted to bless me. Came back from my hometown one weekend to find them sitting on my desk in the house by the college that I lived at. 6). MK towel (from TJ Maxx) given to me from a guy that I was seeing before my hubby- but that isn't what makes it special. What does make it special is taking only that towel to the pool/lake or beach.

My question to you is what item(s) hold memories for you? Leave a comment and I will be sure to enjoy your responses. Thanks for taking the time to read my post. Let me know if you have any further questions. Rachel Garay

Share:

Older Posts

`About Me`

My name is Rachel and welcome to Garay Treasures. I am a former teacher turned full time mom of 4 blogging about my love for fashion, family, life and God. Grab a cup of coffee or two and sit back and enjoy learning about my treasures in life.

`Subscribe & Follow`

Follow

`SUBSCRIBE VIA EMAIL & Get Your FREE Social Media Kit Template and Worksheets with Tips to Reach out to Brands & More`

`Blogs I love`

`Disclaimer`

This blog may contain affiliate links or images in which once these links or images are clicked on I earn a few cents. These few cents and any compensation made through this blog goes back into the blog. Thank you for supporting Garay Treasures and any of my sponsors.

January 2014