& Giving Thanks
Hey friends! I’ve been so busy around here getting my home ready for a holiday home tour for a charity that I haven’t been faithful to this blog. But I wanted to take a minute to not only show you this enchanting and affordable holiday-ready leopard maxi skirt outfit but to tell you that I’m thankful for YOU.
Yes, it’s true, YOU!
And yes, it’s also true that we’ve already had a little snow.
Giving Thanks, an Elastic Waist Maxi Skirt, and a Whole Lot of Retrospection
If you follow me on Instagram, you might have seen some of my Stories where I get all personal and teary trying to figure out what direction God is leading me. To blog or not to blog? If so, what about?
I’ve been seeking direction for my life for the last several years since I closed my manicure studio and as of late, I still don’t exactly know what I want to be when I grow up.
This blog was created to be an outlet for my thoughts and opinions about getting older and fatter, and how we should and shouldn’t dress an expanding body. It’s been a place to share recipes, our home remodel, and from time to time, share some faith-based encouragement.
Where I Might Be Failing
But the truth is, I haven’t really done any ONE THING well or consistently and THAT’S why I’m still floundering a bit. In this industry, we are encouraged by experts to niche down; which essentially means, pick a lane, and stay in it.
But I have trouble with that. Maybe because I get caught up in other people’s successes and think I should try to replicate it. Or could it be that I just have so many interests or possibly that I get different feedback depending on the platform where my content is shared?
For instance, besides my perpetual pleaser, “viral” post on The Best Booties for Curvy Women, my gray hair content and my home decor content perform really well on Pinterest. Whereas my fashion and style content do the best on Instagram. And here on the blog, I get the most engagement on posts with Faith Inspiration.
See? How’s a girl to know what to do?
Hashtag GRATEFUL
Okay, what’s this have to do with YOU?
Well, you’re here, aren’t you?
If you’re here because you just clicked through from Pinterest or a Google search to see this post, I APPRECIATE YOU.
And, if you are one of those who show up week after week (well, IF I post every week that is) 😉 to read and comment, I am humbled by your faithfulness and support. You, my friend, show up for it all!
I am ever so thankful for YOU.
If there was a way to express it more profoundly, I would. But I simply say, THANK YOU!
An Enchanting Leopard Maxi Skirt Outfit Made for Holidaying
Now, how about this outfit for the holidays? I don’t really have to say much about it because it makes its own statement. I’m wearing the largest size, XL-XXL.
It’s really stunning and I think the maxi skirt conjures up both old-world glamour and Little House on the Prairie at the same time. Well, if you wore lace-up booties you could be like a fashionable Miss Beetle in the classroom. 😉
I can’t find this Free People sweater again this season to link it, but I’ve included another slightly less bulky sweater in the shopping links below.
You could easily wear the maxi skirt with no shoes for a boho vibe when entertaining your friends in your home. Because no matter what, don’t allow viruses and mandates to dictate people out of your life.
Assemble Yourself Together, and Be Thankful for It
This statement is in no way political; it’s passionate. But, in a year where we have been made keenly aware of how much we need other people because we’ve been separated from them for long periods of time, another mandate to not be with family and friends is bordering on lunacy. Just be smart and careful.
We NEED each other for support, friendship, encouragement, and because God made us that way. It is not good for man to be alone. (Genesis)
God said it in Hebrews 10 when He told us to not forsake assembling ourselves together. Yes, it certainly means assembling for worship, but the command was actually more for exhorting each other, specifically uplifting and encouraging each other in faith.
And friends, I am more convinced than ever that we need each other for encouragement. So as Paul ended almost every letter he wrote to the churches abroad – I do not cease to give thanks for you and I remember you in my prayers.
Happy Thanksgiving!
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Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family! Your blog is a blessing to all of us so please continue doing you, being you! You are pretty darn good at it! Lunacy has reached us here in Alberta, Canada. We have new restrictions as of yesterday that no one is allowed into each other’s homes except for the people who reside there. Our Canadian Thanksgiving is in mid October (colder climate and earlier harvest(
Our cases have spiked right up. This is getting very weary….. Loneliness and isolation aren’t healthy for our souls. I am counting my blessings….. Taking one day at a time and this too shall pass! None of us are in control but God is and God is good. Happy Thanksgiving!
Author
Thank you sweet Lana. Stay strong.
Hugs,
Paula
Paula, I LOVE this glorious skirt with the white sweater, the hat and the snow. I can relate to your “what to do?” quest and wanting to really do everything. And sometimes nothing. May God show you the way forward. My belief is not with you in your “gathering together” line of thought, but everybody needs to follow their hearts. God bless your faithful heart. Happy Thanksgiving.
Author
Thanks Karen. Have a happy thanksgiving.
I think you need to give yourself some grace. We all flounder at different times in our life. I have always found your blog interesting, funny, and full of information. Stay strong sweet girl. God loves us all.
Author
Thank you for that encouragement Debbie. Isn’t it always that way that even when we’re full of grace for everyone us, we don’t extend it to ourselves. (Or maybe our husbands.) 🤣😂🤣
Happy Holidays
Paula
Happy Thanksgiving! Thanks for sharing. I look forward to your posts.
Author
Hi Judy!
Thanks so much for your encouragement.
Big virtual holiday hugs.
Paula
Too bad you had to include an anti-science message. The deadly virus is also god’s creation and we don’t know his intent with it. Shouldn’t we also accept this life form and give it it’s due respect? I’ve had loved ones ill because they needed to socialize. We were given a brain as well as a soul.
Author
Hi Mary. I’m sorry you read that as anti-science. It was not my intent – I’ll explain more below. However, I choose to live faith over fear and our freedom to choose our risks.
Our own thanksgivings are generally small unless we travel anywhere because it is just us and our kids in this area. Even when we have people here, they are not coerced to do so.
My mother is immune compromised due to chemo but it is her choice to host a thanksgiving for some of her local fireman on duty today who are also coming of their own free will. Her metastatic cancer is currently stable but her treatment is now palliative not curative which is why chooses to live now doing things that bring her joy and loving on others in her way – serving. She is of course cautious, maintains distance, washes her hands often and everything else but she knows, there are far worse things than this virus.
The true fact is that this virus has over a 99% rate of survival and while I’m not saying it isn’t real or even serious, mental and emotional issues and even suicides are on the rise. We’ve also had that touch our family, and getting to a place of despair so deep because of loneness, fear, anxiety… can be dangerous too.
Hope you have a happy day doing things that bring you joy. Life’s too short not to.
A big virtual HUG
Paula
I cannot tell you how much you encourage me each time you post. I am 62 and have 8 adult children and 4 1/2 grandchildren. I was a diet coach for 3 1/2 years in my 50’s and was slender and right where I wanted to be weight-wise. Then I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism 3 years ago and then last year, Hashimoto’s disease – my body is attacking itself. All the tricks and all the things I knew about losing weight no longer work for me. I am now at least 50 pounds overweight (I do not know because I no longer step on a scale) and I struggle with depression about that. I do believe that the Lord allowed this in my life because of my judgmental spirit about overweight people, so I thank Him for that. He is teaching me so much about life and people and mercy and grace. I still have not quite figured out how to dress this overweight body and find myself not wanting to buy new clothes, because what if I lose back down again? I have kept all my smaller clothes for that purpose. But I know I need to realize, that I may never be that small again. I understand wondering what the Lord wants for me now. All kids grown and out of the house. My husband is retired. What is my purpose now? I can tell you though, your blog here, has been one of the greatest encouragements of my life right now. I know God has put you here just for me at this moment. I also thank you for bringing us back to Him. He is our everything and He has everything under His control. Thank you for being here, even if just for me.
Author
Susan, what a big ol’ BLESSING you are to me right at this moment. 😘 I love that you choose to see your weight issue as a “gift” of insight!
I was right where you are with the no new clothes but decided that keeping the skinny clothes was essentially keeping a hundred signs that were telling me that I was a failure. If you can’t bring yourself to get rid of them, go get a couple of big tubs and put them all in there and put of sight (put the box out of sight too). Put a date on it… 6 months or even a year or two from now. If you’re not back in them by that time, say goodbye. But Girl, but yourself some cute things in your size and start looking at full figured inspiration on Pinterest and IG. You’re worth the investment.
Hugs,
Paula
Oh that is a great idea!! I will do that (putting my clothes in a tub out of sight)! Right now they are in our guest room closet where I see them every time I open the closet door. Thank you!
Author
Good luck Susan. I recently got rid of some I’ve held onto for years. Even in storage, they reminded me of where I’m “not”.
IMHO I appreciate the diversity in your content. There were several bloggers I read who became ‘one lane’ and eventually I unsubscribed because it was never any different. Life isn’t one lane- that’s what I love about your blog, etc.
I love this outfit. I so enjoy your blog! You are the closest to my style and size than most of the others I see. I hope to be a cool Mimi like you!
Have a blessed Thanksgiving and Christmas!
Author
Thank you so much J’Laine. You will be. I took my cues from some of my manicure clients. I just loved the memory moments they created with their Littles and I am determined to keep it going as long as I can.
Hugs,
Paula
Paula,
I LOVE your blog! I’m always so excited when I receive an email telling me you have a new post.
You are encouraging, supportive, transparent, real, kind, wise, helpful…I could continue! Also love your faith-filled words.
I know your followers are thankful for YOU today! I know I am.
Blessings to you and yours.
Author
Sherry, you have BLESSED my socks off. Hope to continue and add more fun. Honestly, I’ve been think of bucking the “system” and doing more blog less social media because that can honestly be so soul crushing.
Hope you’re having a great day.
Hugs,
Paula
I love your honesty, transparency and encouragement. I look forward to seeing what you have to share on this blog weekly!
Aw! I’m always happy to see new posts in my emails from you, Paula! So, thank YOU! I have to say I’m pretty spread-out-even on the content from you. Love the faith posts, fashion posts and heartfelt posts equally! So, you just don’t disappoint me anywhere! Your skirt is so cute- I’ve kind of veered away from skirts in the past 4 years or so, because, well, frankly, I have no waistline anymore. I’m pretty okay with that, because now that I’m almost 65 (EEK!!!), I am totally comfortable in leggings and tunics, and nice, flowy dresses. With booties- what a wonderful thing to wear when it’s cold outside!!
So, continue writing about anything you want, because I believe in whichever direction you veer, God has your back. And as a person who doesn’t go on Instagram much at all, I hope you keep going with emails!!
Blessings,
Donna
Author
Donna, I thank you so much for all your support. 😘 Wish I could hug your neck.
Your blog posts are something I really look forward to every single time!
I’m 62 … I don’t have children but other than that I totally relate to your posts! You’re real and fun and kind and a straight-shooter!!! OH, and gorgeous, too!!
Love that about you!
Keep on doing what you are doing, lady!
Thank you!
btw — love that skirt!!
Hi Paula! Love seeing your emails in my inbox! It is the first one that I open:). I agree with you about not shutting out the people who mean the most or may be needing some lifting up. My husband & I have been living pretty much the same way as when it is flu season. We rarely go out to eat….once since March & rarely during the winter for flu season. We follow Dr. Mercola’s guidelines for helping our immune system as much as we can with nutritious real foods, vitamins, staying away from processed foods, which eliminates a lot of unhealthy foods, etc. We still spend time with our kids & grandkids. If any of us are ill, we stay home, just like during flu season. My mantra: if you are older or have health problems be extra guarded and if you are sick, stay home. There is more of a chance dying from the flu than from Covid…..per science. Dying of the flu is not as news worthy as Covid, so you probably won’t see it on the news. We have never shut down, worn masks, or quarantined healthy people before from pandemics or bad flu years. Thank you for sharing whatever is on your mind or in your heart!
Author
Oh Sherry, I am blessed to hear another soul mention doing things to keep a healthy immune system. God created us with immune systems that work. And part of that requires exposure.
We have been much the same with our kids. And we certainly hope we’ve all learned better and just stay home when we don’t feel good.
Biggest hugs.
Paula
Love this Lewk on You Paula. It’s very hard to stay in any lane when you write so well. Just keep on being YOU!! Happy December. . . .
You are a Blessing to so many. Thank YOU for being YOU!!
Author
Thank you for being a blessing and support me me Poogie! 🤗
Oh, I think I will be copying this look to wear on Sunday!! Wish I could replicate the show too! I actually do love bloggers that do not have a specific niche because it is more interesting to me to read about bot just fashion but then I am one that doesn’t always want to do what everyone does and don’t have a specific niche myself… I just started to link my posts to Pinterest so it will be interesting to see what people find interesting!
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com