Rainy Day Essentials

Happy Monday! 

Well, it's raining in MN today and it's supposed to rain all week! I can't complain,though, because the grass is greener, the leaves are blossoming and the salt is being washed off the roads... Spring is here! April showers bring May flowers, am I right? :)

In celebration of April showers, I have put together some of my rainy day essentials to help me enjoy the day. Rain is soothing to me... is it to you?

Rainy Day Essentials by aishalc featuring Bodum

1] Fun Cup or Tea or Coffee. I am definitely a tea drinker, and I always try to find cute tea cups that I can add to my collection just in case they come in to some good use on a rainy day like this :)
2] A good book/devotional. One daily devotional I love is Jesus is Calling. It is such a great daily reminder that Jesus loves us and has great things for us each day!
3] Hot liquids or soups. Nothing like a hot cup of cocoa on a cold day and nothing like some good soup or tea on a rainy day :)
4] A bunch of pillows. Nothing said cuddle like some good pillows and a blanket. My couch and bed are filled with pillows!
5] Nail polish. This is a great opportunity to get a new nail color!
6] Good movies. A rainy day is not fulfilled without watching a great movie.

What rainy day essentials are on your list?

Happy Relaxing! 

Friday Fashion in the City// "Quick Guide" For Guidance

Happy Friday Everyone! 

Don't you love Fridays? I do! It's a day where you countdown the time for the weekend. 

Here at Target, Friday's are lively and relaxed. I love how everyone dresses casual and comes with a chipper mood, excited for their weekend plans. 

I am a HUGE fan of maxi dresses and denim jackets. Also, if you know me, I always wear gold jewelry. 

Today, I put them all together! 

I love working in the city. Seeing the sun rise against the buildings never gets old.. It's also so cool to see the world from an elevated level. I sometimes feel like a bird overlooking everything from the sky! 

But believe it or not, one of my favorite things about working downtown isn't because it's so alive all the time and everything is close by. Nope! It's actually the drive in! 

I take the bus into work and I love it because it allows me to have "me time"  before a busy day and unwind before I go home. 

I have a mini journal that I keep at all times for when I want to write down things that God is teaching me at any point of the day. I also use it as a "quick guide" for guidance. Basically what that means is I have a certain part in the book that I write down scriptures pertaining to different areas that I would like to improve on or be reminded of on a daily basis. 

For example, if I want to focus on fleeing from anger or fear, I have scriptures that correspond to those things. It helps me get into the Word and put my mind in the right place before my day starts. It also makes it so I always have a place to look when I need a quick pick me up or reminder. It has really helped me become more patient, loving and fearless. As the bible says:

"Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God". (Romans 10:17)

Even little things like that can help you build your faith, keep the word and God's commandments in remembrance, and also just spend some time with God! Because He is One with His Word.

Right now, as a gift to my readers, I am giving out a 4 digital copy of scriptures pertaining to these different areas:

First Copy:

Having Faith

Protection

Being Perfect in Love

Asking and Receiving

Second Copy:

Being Loving

Being a Virtuous Woman

Fleeing from Anger

Being Patient

Third Copy:

God's Love For Us

Traits of Jesus

Resting in Christ

Fourth Copy:

Focusing on the Good Things

Do Not Be Anxious

God Supplying Your EVERY Need

You Can Have What You Say

Each Copy will have each topic with listed scriptures pertaining to the specific topic. You can take a photo of them for your phone, your computer, or print them out. Whatever you want. It is a way to have a centralized location to learn and be reminded of what GOD says! 

I am calling them each a "Quick Guide" for guidance!

Email me at alcstyling@gmail.com if you would like me to send you a copy :)

Have a GREAT weekend! 

linking up with "Five on Friday" Linkup

Date Night Out// Let Your Light Shine!

Happy Thursday Everyone! 

It's been rainy the last couple days here in MN- but atleast it's not snowing!!

Despite the weather, W and I decided to do a date night. We don't get many of these because I work days and he typically works nights. We often have to designate Saturday mornings to each other because that is one of the only times we can spend quality time together! But we work it out. I miss him during the week a lot so I was grateful that I was able to spend some time with him last night. There are so many restaurants in the area we go to, we literally spent 10 minutes discussing where we wanted to go. Pizza? Seafood? Pasta? Burgers? Ribs? Everything just sounded so good! 

Well, W knows, and so do many others, that I LOVE red lobster. It is one of my favorite places to splurge on. So we decided to eat some seafood! It was nice to be able to splurge like that because once I get my house, I will def. have to be more on a budget! But I know Jesus provides!

I always enjoy date nights with my honey. 

He always makes me laugh and we can have fun doing anything. After 9 years together, we never fail to still have so much to talk about! I love unwinding to him after a long day at work. I love how it's a give and receive relationship where we both want to give 100% and make the other person happy. I see so many relationships where it's not equal so I feel so fortunate to have a man like I do!

I always get the pick two combination so I can have my shrimp linguini and salmon. I always ask for their maple glaze because it taste SO good paired with the fish. It adds a sweet taste to it, which I love! I always get the veggies on the side because I love nothing more than some grilled veggies! They taste so delish! :)

W LOVES shrimp. So he always gets the breaded shrimp. He tried the steak this time and he said it was really good. I am not a steak person so it didn't look that good to me, LOL, but I am glad he enjoyed it.

Overall, it was an awesome date night! When we got home, he even gave me a foot rub! How lucky am I?! That made me completely relaxed just in time for bed :)

I'm lucky that he actually let me get a picture together! Usually I have to beg lol.

Today is 

Let Your Light Shine Thursdays!

Thanks so much for all of you that linked up last week!
Me and Jena over at I'm Perfectly Human loved seeing all of your posts!

Our favorite from last week's link-up was from Oby @ I Spy Oby and her printed Nike leggings!

Thanks again for all of you who participated! Now it's time to link up again :)

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 & True Soul & Spirit 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!

Follow me: Facebook || Instagram || Twitter || Pinterest || Bloglovin 

linking up: Funday Monday, Creative Monday, Monday Bloom, Style Sessions , Trend Spin, I feel pretty, What I Wore, Tucker Up, Your Whims Weds,  Totally Posted Tuesday,, Three for Thursday, Fav Fashion Friday, Look what I got, Tre Chic, Working Girl Working Style,, *All about you, Simply Lulu Style, Weekend Wind Down, Weekend Blog Hop, Stylish Saturday, Mix it Mondays, Monday Musthaves,I am Mrs K; Her & Nicole, Hump Day, Whit Nic James, Manic Monday, Manic Monday, Stylish Tuesdays, Transatlantic Blonde, Fashion Informant, What I wore to work, Stylin in St Louis,Sunday Style 

An InLinkz Link-up

Easter Fun/ OOTD

Happy Monday Everyone!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter! 

It was such a nice day in Minneapolis that I made an effort to spend some of it outside! I also got to spend time with my family along with W's family :) Always a good time. 

[Weekend Recap]

Starting from top left:

1] Sunset. I got to see such a beautiful sunset! If you read my blog often you know that I LOVE sunsets. I always try to capture them anytime I can.

2] Hunting for eggs. This is the first year I actually got to do something for a young child in awhile! It's so fun having a two year old around :)

3] Reese's Eggs. I splurged and had a couple of them yesterday... how can you say no?!

4] Potato Salad. My grandmother makes the BEST potato salad.. which is also low in fat! That's a plus since I ate horrible with everything else haha.

5] W and I. We had a great time at church and it is a ritual for us to always get a picture together on Easter. Idk how it because a tradition but hey, I don't complain! :)

6] Ham... I feel like ham is such a traditional food for holidays in the US. The holidays wouldn't be the same without some good ol' ham and turkey haha.

7] My Mama and I... Isn't she beaut!?

8] Apple Pie... my favorite dessert :)

9] My nephew dropped some of his eggs during the hunt, but it didn't stop him from eating the candy off the ground, LOL.

[Outfit]

I pulled out a bright Michael Kors dress to celebrate Springtime. I feel like many people bring out bright colors for Easter, don't you?

Dress: Michael Kors, 31.57 clearance!

Bracelet:

Buckle: QVC, $38

Gemstones: Charming Charlie, $10

Shoes:

Love Culture, $29.99

Brought out bright nails along with rosegold jewelry.

 All in all, it was an awesome Easter. It is one of my favorite holidays because I get to celebrate my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! If it weren't for Him dying on the cross for my sins, I would not be here today and I thank Him for all He is, ALL He has done, and who He is in my life. He is SO good! :)

John 3:16

He loves us SO much!

My Big News!//Let Your Light Shine Thursday

Happy Thursday (Almost Friday) Everyone!

I mentioned earlier this week that I had some big news to reveal so I thought today would be a good day.

It is official, 

I am going to be a homeowner!

I put an offer on a town home I love found out last week my offer was accepted. I close next week! 

I never though I would be 23 and becoming a homeowner. 

At first I was nervous and seeking people's advice on what to do, but I remembered one thing, one scripture.

"According to your faith let it be done unto you." 

I had to remember that I felt God was calling me to buy a house instead of rent. And regardless of my feelings and other people's opinions, it was about believing in God and having faith that I was making the right step.

It wasn't until I put my faith into action that I started seeing things fall into place. You see, before I decided to make an offer, I kept doing different budgets and they all turned out different, making me nervous that maybe buying a home isn't the best thing for me. I couldn't find a roommate, I was nervous about how much everything would cost, etc.

I prayed to God to put obstacles in my path if it weren't the path for me and to have the offer be denied if it weren't the place for me. Well every place I had seen had multiple offers on them except this one. & I loved this place the most. It was odd, right? Maybe. But to not rush things or do things "my way" I waited about a week to put in an offer, but it was like this place was waiting for me. I kept hesitating to put in an offer but when I finally did, the seller accepted my bid, everything is going smoothly, I have potential roommates, and my finances are in order. 

It's almost like God was just waiting for me to act on my faith to show me that everything was going to be in good hands-- His hands! 

I always remember this scripture,too:

Jesus wants to do beyond all we could ask or think, but it's according to the power that works within us. Our power is our faith in and through the Holy Spirit! I have to remember that no matter what life brings me, I have a Savior that wants to give me all I could ever imagine. Now that's a God I am honored to serve!

Do you have a testimony of how God is working things out in your life? I would love to hear them! Please comment below and share your story :)

Today is 

Let Your Light Shine Thursdays!

Thanks so much for all of you that linked up last week!
Me and Jena over at I'm Perfectly Human loved seeing all of your posts!

Our favorite from last week's link-up was from Lindsey @ High Heels & Training Wheels
and her DIY post on trying a honey based "No Poo" Shampoo :)

Thanks again for all of you who participated! Now it's time to link up again :)

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 & True Soul & Spirit 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!

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<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>

Follow me: Facebook || Instagram || Twitter || Pinterest || Bloglovin 

linking up: Funday Monday, Creative Monday, Monday Bloom, Style Sessions , Trend Spin, I feel pretty, What I Wore, Tucker Up, Your Whims Weds,  Totally Posted Tuesday,, Three for Thursday, Fav Fashion Friday, Look what I got, Tre Chic, Working Girl Working Style,, *All about you, Simply Lulu Style, Weekend Wind Down, Weekend Blog Hop, Stylish Saturday, Mix it Mondays, Monday Musthaves,I am Mrs K

An InLinkz Link-up

Journey to Restoration Update

Happy Tuesday!

I am thankful for yet ANOTHER beautiful day! Each day is a NEW day made especially for us to enjoy. 

Well it has been another month on my journey to restoration and I am happy to say that I am down another 1/2 inch! I am seeing my weight loss slowing now that I have been on this journey for awhile, but nevertheless, I feel much healthier, cleaner and have so much more energy!

If you have been reading my blog, you know by now that I have fallen in LOVE with Hot Yoga! 

It is such a great "change of pace" since I am so used to doing Insanity or using gym equipment. It challenges me but relaxes me. It works me hard but stretches my body. I sweat like no other, too! LOL

Look at that sweat! 

Sometimes, I like to use the hour to meditate and unwind with Jesus. I often pray during yoga because it causes your to focus and I choose to focus on Him! It is such a peaceful environment. 

Some things I have implemented in my diet since eating cleaner is veggie smoothies. 

I get my recipes from a lot of different places including pinterest, instagram, and other health websites. They are surprisingly not that bad- although it took me some time to get used to the texture. They have really helped me have more energy, get my digestive system on track, and is an easy way to get all my veggies in for the day. 

Another thing I have decided to try is a detox tea. 

And I am telling you, it is amazing! I bought MateFit tea which includes a metabolic boost tea and a detox tea. It has sincerely helped my bloating, has suppressed my appetite, and it tastes great! 

I also think it tastes better than my regular green tea! Go figure :)

I drink my metabolic boost 15 minutes before eating breakfast and lunch. I only have to drink the detox tea every other night before bed. It is such an easy way to detox my body! 

All in all, it has been a great month in regards to fitness and nutrition. 

This month I have focused a lot on trying new things, detoxing me body, and getting more sleep. I feel like my body is finally at a healthy weight! 

Now, I am going to focus on losing the few more inches I want to lose as well as shaping my body. I'll update you again in a month! :)

What do you do to maintain your weight? I would love to hear your ideas! 

I will be sharing some BIG news at the end of the week. So stay tuned! 

Also, I thought I would start sharing songs that I am listening to again. There is nothing like some good music! Here is a great worship song that I listen to at work when I need a couple minutes to surrender my self and my day to Jesus :)

7 Days of Happy Day 7/ Thursday Link Up!

Happy Thursday! 

The weekend is near and the sun is shining in Minneapolis this morning. Can't ask for much more. 

I am thanking Jesus for yet another glorious day! I feel extremely thankful and blessed to have seen yet another day with my loved ones alive and well, too. You see, we are all truly blessed! It's just all about perspective!

Something that makes me EXTREMELY happy is the teachings and knowledge that God gives me. 

Right now, He is teaching me about letting go of the control I THINK I need to have and just giving Him all my trust, all of my concerns, all of my troubles, all of my worries... just give Him everything! 

So far, it hasn't been the easiest thing for me to do, because I have been stuck in my ways for 23 years! But I thank Jesus that He never views us as lost causes and always wants to continually teach us new things and shows us more of His love. 

One scripture He has led me to lately is Philippians 4:6:

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God.

I love this because it literally shows us that God doesn't want us to worry about ANYTHING, but to give Him EVERYTHING. That's how good He is. He wants to take everything from us- so we can live freely in peace. He just wants thanks! WOW! 

This reminds me that whether I don't like something someone does or I feel anxious about the future, or I really need something, I can ALWAYS turn to God with everything. He wants to take it so He can change any situation and make things turn out in your favor FULLY showing His glory. He is such a marvelous God! 

Today is 

Let Your Light Shine Thursdays!

Thanks so much for all of you that linked up last week!
Me and Jena over at I'm Perfectly Human loved seeing all of your posts!

Our favorite from last week's link-up was from Petite Career Girl. Merrie showed us how to mix up a dress into a day and night look. Totally shining last week! I especially loved the way she mixed the stripes in her dress and clutch!

Thanks again for all of you who participated! Now it's time to link up again :)

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 & True Soul & Spirit 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!

<div align="center">
<a href="http://truesoulandspirit.blogspot.com/" 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: Funday Monday, Creative Monday, Monday Bloom, Style Sessions , Trend Spin, I feel pretty, What I Wore, Tucker Up, Your Whims Weds,  Totally Posted Tuesday,, Three for Thursday, Fav Fashion Friday, Look what I got, Tre Chic, Working Girl Working Style,, *All about you, Simply Lulu Style, Weekend Wind Down, Weekend Blog Hop, Stylish Saturday, Mix it Mondays, Monday Musthaves, 

An InLinkz Link-up

7 Days of Happy Day 5// My Spring Must Haves

Happy Monday!

One thing I love to do sometimes is just enjoy a nice iced coffee when it's nice out and either update my blog, browse the internet, chat with friends, look up youtube videos or just relax. 

Today, I fulfilled that happiness and went to one of my favorite coffee shops and decided to just enjoy the weather and friends :)

Afterwards, I enjoyed some hot yoga. One of my favorite things to do!

I had hardly eaten all day, so I also squeezed in a little egg white sandwich :) lol

I think I enjoy coffee shops so much because it reminds me of Europe. So many days we would go enjoy a Cappuccino and chit chat. I cant WAIT to go back.

Along with bringing in Spring with iced drinks, I have also had Spring Shopping FEVER!

What are some of your top Spring picks this season?

Here are some styles I love. Take a look:

 1] I love wedges. They are one heeled shoe that is most the time so comfortable and so fashionable for warm weather.

 2] Blouses that accentuate the waist (see above). When a shirt is loose but tightens at the waist, it gives your body a natural curvy look and makes your waist look smaller. It also adds detail to your outfit! An absolute love! 

 3] Stylish Skirts/Shorts. Shorts can become so plain, but I love the shorts I have been seeing above this season. Its more like a skort (can you believe it!??). I like it because its a short you can dress up very easily.

 4] You can NEVER have too many accessories. My rule of thumb is there are 4 main places to wear jewelry. Ears, Neck, Wrist and Fingers. My rule of thumb is to wear up to 3 out of the 4 places. Sometimes if you wear too much jewelry, it can take away from the outfit than add to it. 

 5] A good pair of shades. Such an easy way to accessorize an outfit :)

Spring Fever by aishalc featuring a skort skirt

I hope you had a great start to your week!

7 Days of Happy Day 4

Happy Sunday Everyone!

Sorry again for the late post. 

Today I had church and then I went to look at more houses. I didn't end up getting the first house but I put another offer on a different house today so wish me luck!

After I met up with a friend since it was nice out today and we went on a long walk and got dinner after. 

One thing that makes me super happy is taking nice long strolls with a friend or family member. 

There's something so relaxing about taking walks and enjoying the nice breeze of a spring day while talking with a good girlfriend!

We took about a mile walk and I just enjoyed catching up, listening to the birds singing and enjoying the setting sun. It was perfect weather! 60 degrees sunny with a very light breeze. Perfect walking weather. I am glad I got to do that before a long work week ahead! :)

After, we went to get a burger and have a beer. :) Great way to top of the evening.

Hope you all had a great weekend!

7 Days of Happy Day 3

Hello Loves

Sorry for the late post. You know how Saturdays can go... too fast. 

So much has been going on lately. I have felt like I haven't had quality time with ME.

What makes me so happy sometimes is just having quiet time with myself to unwind, reflect on things, and do things for myself that I don't talk about with people.

Like reading. 

I love to read. Especially when it's about things that will make me think and get different perspectives on things. I love reading books that are faith changing, God based, and help you work on self improvement. Many call them "self help" books, but each of them have their own way of helping you become a better your. & I like that.

I also love to study and pray. 

Life gets so crazy and hectic, we all need an escape. I lean on Jesus so much. When I am going crazy, opening the Bible and hearing His Word unwinds every knot. It helps me remember what's important. It helps me stay grounded. I find when I don't make the time for this, my life starts to wind back up again. I think Jesus for being my rock.

Catch up on my shows. 

If you know me, you know I love my TV shows. Some of my favorites are Vampire Diaries, Scandal, The originals, Revenge, the Bachelor/ette, Breaking Bad, How I Met Your Mother... there are probably more but I am drawing blanks, LOL. Sometimes, sitting back, relaxing and watching good television is all you need to have a fun filled night. 

Pinterest.

Many people don't know this, but I have a passion for interior design. Design period. Something about designing things and mixing and matching, and putting things together relaxes me. So often time I will get lost on pinterest to find some good DIY's , some inspiration for when I get my home, and some good ideas to give updates to what I already have :)

Simply Rest.

Sometimes, I can just lay back, close my eyes, and rest. I am a person that enjoys simply "chillin". To give my eyes a rest, my voice a rest, my body a rest, and my mind a rest. With some candles lit. Yes. 

What do you like to do in your alone time?

In fact, I am going to rest right now :)

Have a good night/day!