Shoes & Faith (God wastes nothing!)

I love a good deal.  It’s something about finding a quality buy at half the price.  Such acts of random glory will prompt any Brunch Lady to high five the lady behind the register or sprint to the car before somebody discovers she just made off with the grand bargain of the century.  I’m not talking something that would fall apart before you make it out the store. I’m talking a bonafide, “Are you serious” price on an otherwise high end item.  

So a while back I was minding my own business when my car (on its own) jumped on the exit towards Lohmanns (land of lost labels, backdoor boutique and secret sales).  Just going to look.  I walked in an unbeknownst to me  (and my wallet) we had been ambushed.  Racks of 50% off the final price called me.  Three hours  and several excursions to the fitting room later I’d found my prized keepsakes.  I totaled up my stash and was headed toward  the counter and BOOM! There they were.   On the third shelf of the clearance shoes were a pair of stacked pumps in the color of the season by a great brand.  I began to calculate the sales percentage.  I don’t know what I'm putting back but these babies are mine! 

I believe those shoes were predestined.  You see after countless Pinterest  pins I determined I wanted, no needed more color in my wardrobe.  So my mind was intentional, the compass was set and my energy was drawn to that store at that particular moment for those particular shoes in that particular color.  Stay with me I’m going somewhere. 

Once I arrived home, I explained in detail and modeled every item for my husband (while he was in his recliner watching a futuristic movie).  SN:  Part of the plan, seeking donations/reimbursement for unscheduled (i.e. outside the budget) shopping stop.  I began to put away my treasures and noticed I had NOTHING to match those shoes, but didn’t care.  Some place back in my mind I’d logged a vision of the perfect outfit.  Surely it would come.

Several weeks went by and soon I found the perfect necklace, skinny stretch jeans and Peplum top.  My shoes had a family.  Why?  The simple principle of vision.  Weeks later God took this simple example and made a connection (He wastes nothing).  The same principle that worked for those shoes will work with any goal.  We set an intention and visualize.  We may not have everything that we need but slowly the pieces come together.   

What am I saying?  Once we make an impression on our mind, we don’t know how it will come to pass but we began to attract the people, resources and results.  The world (and God) conspire to bring it to pass. The plan all comes together.  If you don't have all you need right now for that goal, don’t be discouraged.  The important thing is to first, “buy” into it; invest the time and energy, have patience, and the rest will come.  Do we know this already? Probably, sometimes God has to send us a little relatable and timely reminder to keep us encouraged!

xoxo

Live God's Life Beautifully...

Norma L. Jarrett

Author, Founder and CEO of Brunch Lady  

www.normajarrett.net 

Beyonce' and Brunch

In her Life is but a Dream documentary Beyonce' gave Brunch Lady an unofficial endorsement.  In so many words she said she loved her husband but she needs her sisters. Gasp: a Brunch Lady moment! Tis true.  It's something about our girls, our sister-friends, aunties, sorority sisters, cousins that get us. It's a different type of bond.  When you throw in brunch it's magical, memorable, purposeful...beautiful.  Guys may not get it, but we do. It's not always about the food or the venue (although that helps) it's about the fellowship, friendship, love, tears, joy, support and sharing that happen at a good brunch. So here it is straight from Brunch Lady...10 ways to brunch!

1. Sunday/Besties Brunch - The traditional girlfriend brunch. Typically on a Sunday after church.  Close  friends, upscale venue and random conversation ranging from food, faith, relationships, books or pop culture.  Begins with air kisses, possibly ends with hugs and tears (especially after Mimosas).  Inspiration for my Brunch book series :)

 

2. Big Hat Brunch - Possible charity event or gathering of church ladies.  Lots of lace and labels; may include white gloves, Fascinators or huge hats.  Manners, decorum, political correctness and donations are on the menu.

 3. Ambush Brunch - Involves less friends.  This is the "keeping-it-real" moment with your girl when she needs to dump that guy everyone knows is cheating, get her credit together or get off the couch and actually LOOK for a job. AKA "The Intervention" or the "Put on your big girl panties and deal with it brunch".

4. Big News Brunch - Celebratory in nature (sometimes).  A new baby, job, relocation, or a "He put a ring on it" announcement usually ensues.  Insert "yay" here. 

5. Bridal Brunch - An official gathering of the bride and her bridesmaids (BM).  After the hugs, tears, toasts memories and a meal the laundry list of BM commands/duties (and expenses) that come with this honor are announced.  But we do it with a smile because we love our girls.

6. Briefcase Brunch - A power lunch with a purpose.  Beautiful women gather to handle business with a tax write off to boot. Werk!

7. Budget Brunch - For true friends.  Venue is not an issue, a little bakery, the Waffle House or Cracker Barrel will do; no fancy-smancy food required. You just want to meet up with your girls and dish because you miss them. "My treat" or "Let's split it" is typical. No special occasion required.

8.  Girl-We-Gotta-Talk-Brunch - The opposite of 3.  Friend is admitting she needs your help. This is a no judgment zone.  Usually includes prayers, donations or accountability agreement.  That's what friends are for!

  9. Book Club Brunch -The favorite...for obvious reasons!  The holy grail of the author-book club connection. Food, fellowship and book discussion!  All Sunday Brunch Books are perfect for the occasion.

 

10. It's-Official-You-Are-My-Boo-Brunch - You and that special guy, right after he says I love you.  Men in this state will usually forget they are actually doing the brunch-girly thing because they are smitten. Take advantage of this season!

BONUS: International Brunch - Paris, Milan, London...can't you see it?  Brunch is a universal concept. This one may require your beau or a girl trip. 

        

Bon Appetit! 

Brunch Lady

www.normajarrett.net

 

Every Brunch Lady has...

A signature item 

Something that represents your taste, style, personal touch.  They are so signature, when your best girls see one of them when shopping they immediately say that's so "_________" (fill in the blank with your name).  In the spirit of the shopping season, I thought I'd share a few of my personal signature items with the rest of my Brunch Ladies!  

Bows 

Who doesn't love a little touch of femininity?  

This short sleeve sweater from Ann Taylor is perfect!

    

Monograms

Shirts, linen, stationary, monograms are so classy.  But I fell in with these felt clutches and the price is just as delicious.  These adorable accessories and more monogram items are available at monogram lane.

Drop earrings.  

These easy on the eyes and the purse "gems" from the Bauble Bar are gorgeous!

Beautiful Journals...

Every writer keeps them in their purse, on a nightstand,  in the bathroom.

Shh!  You never know where inspiration is going to show up!  This floral find is from Rifle Paper Co.

 

 

Pretty (but inexpensive) ink pins! 

This one by Michael Kors is an irresistible "steal" and it's scented!

 

and...I'm a pearl girl (of course) 

This Kate Spade necklace adds a little "Brunch" flavor with a cute bow

Signature read?    

CLICK FOR ALL BOOKS IN THE SERIES!!!!

The Brunch Series (of course)

Don't have your own signature items? Get inspired by the Brunch Lady Pinterest Board :)

What does a Brunch Lady wear...and keep in her purse?

What does a  Brunch Lady wear and...

just as important, what does she carry in her Purse?

It’s Sunday, I’m headed out the door to meet my girls for brunch. The ensemble...

 

Statement necklace - love pastels

Keep it classy and simple - "peep" the tulle

Ultra feminine shoe

I grab one of my favorite print purses and I’m set. My purse holds the essentials: Blackberry, quirky sunglasses, Nook Tablet, makeup bag, wallet and my latest read “Good Self, Bad Self” by Judy Smith (Brunch Ladies are always working on their, best selves right?). Why does this Brunch Lady have so much in her purse?  A Brunch Lady is always prepared!

 

Our Guest Blogger...Simone Hawks

I'm a Jersey girl who fell in love with her college town and never looked back. 
I love reading,sports and most of all the world of fashion. Clothes, shoes, a beautiful ring or a purse can 
often transform a person. Each day when I go into my closet, I am 
putting together a work of art and spreading my wwn ray of sunshine. I am 
Simone Hawks, a lover of Fashion!

SHOPAHOLICS ANONYMOUS - THE REMIX

I enjoy shopping, like most women; making new purchases and discovering pretty things. However, I was recently forced to treat my closet as a shopping mall! Due to an aggressive effort to save and make better decisions in my spending, I had to use what I had in my closet to create the look that I was hoping for.  (Brunch Ladies – you too?  Phew, thanks!)

This created somewhat of a challenge for me. I had to change my prospective.  I decided to look at my existing wardrobe in new and interesting ways. After a few struggles and near breakdown, to my surprise I was able to come up with a few really chic outfits!  I was even able to create an outfit for a very big event; normally I went have went out and made a wardrobe purchase.

This both a fun exercise and a learning experience. I realized that fashion is personal style; it starts with who you are and how you want others to perceive you. Without personal style, your fashion will be unauthentic and you'll be constantly searching for the next new trend and item to purchase. I also realized that this can translate to other life lessons.

As women, we must start with our “inner man” (spirit). We must build confidence and trust in ourselves and our choices before we can exemplify that on the outside for others to see. So, I challenge you to start your next shopping experience in your closet, you might be surprised!  You may never have to leave your home to get what you need.

FASHION AWARD EVENT

CASUAL BUT CUTE

“Live for Fashion, Fashion IS … Life”

Charquis Meadow is the designer entrepreneur of Charm Apparel Brands based in Maryland. For more information about Charquis visit www.charmapparelbrands.com .

Brunch Ladies:  We so agree!  Authenticity that’s affordable and beautiful rocks and we are all about beginning with the “inner bling”.