Happy Wednesday! It’s time for everybody to join up today with Shay and me to let everybody know WHAT’S UP this fine Wednesday!
Let’s get right to it! If you are here for my BACHELOR THOUGHTS, scroll down to *WHAT I’M WATCHING*.
*WHAT I’M EATING*
I’ll tell you what I’m eating. Fish, chicken, and veggies. LOTS AND LOTS of fish, chicken, and veggies. Fruit too.
I’m actually not even minding it, and my clothes are already fitting better, so that helps me continue to make healthier choices. The first 5 pounds are always the hardest, right? Happy to have the first 5 gone!
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*WHAT I’M REMINISCING ABOUT*
See that precious girl popping out of the top of the limo with me? That’s my sweet friend Manda. If you’ve been following along for awhile, you know that after a hard fought battle with cancer, she went to be with Jesus. Pictured below is her last birthday on earth (we celebrated her BIG that day), and she’s now been gone 3 years today.
Manda was without a doubt one of the sweetest and most faithful souls I have ever known. Her battle was so hard, but she fought with such an incredible faith. She always lead with faith over fear, and with her eyes firmly fixed on Jesus the entire time. She was absolutely amazing, and I was blessed over and over again by her friendship.
I’ve shared this with you before, but I would love it if you would take the time to watch Manda talk about her faith. In October of 2015, Manda and her mom gave a talk at our church. Hearing them talk about their faith….even in the midst of such unimaginable trials (as far back as when Manda was 5 and first diagnosed with cancer) was inspiring. I think hearing their words will change you. They definitely changed me. Click HERE for the Coffee House talk. I promise that it will bless you.
And if you want to see how loved Manda was, all you need to do is watch her service. Her family, her friends, and her community all loved her dearly and rallied around her while she fought with Faith Over Fear….a choice that she made every single day, with God on her side.
There is no doubt that Manda wanted to win her battle with cancer, but there is also no doubt that she wanted to tell people about Jesus and bring people to Him. I think her coffee house talk and her service will do that.
In honor of Manda, her parents started the Manda Strong Foundation after her passing. The foundation’s mission is to provide a Christ-centered support system for mothers battling cancer while also raising minor children (Age 18 and under). Support comes in many forms and will be tailored to meet the needs of each brave family. Their focus is on families in Collin County, Texas.
In honor of Manda, many of us are gathering together today to help raise funds for these moms that they are helping! The goal is $20,000, and my goodness it would be AWESOME to reach the full $20,000! Your generosity will help the foundation love on these moms and their families in so many different ways.
Click HERE to donate!
There are buttons for larger amounts, but there’s also an “OTHER” button, and NO DONATION IS TOO SMALL! If tons of us pledged even just $5, that would add up so fast, and I know these sweet mamas would appreciate any amount that would help bless their families.
Let’s do it y’all! Let’s raise some serious cash!
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*WHAT I’M LOVING*
I received a super fun package in the mail this week! My friend Melanie released two new books!
Piper and Mabel is an adorable children’s book. If you have a kid who loves dogs, get this book.
And in On The Bright Side, Melanie shares lessons that she has learned along the way about how to find all the joy that life has to offer – and why encouragement is never something to keep to ourselves. Now, those are some life lessons that I can get behind. If it’s like other books from Melanie, you will laugh, you will cry, you will find yourself just reading and smiling, and you will be prompted to pray. Congratulations Mel on another amazing book!
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*WHAT WE’VE BEEN UP TO*
Chris and Carter went to the ranch for a glorious 4 days over President’s Day weekend. Carter officially had Monday off, and he went ahead and took Friday off too, so they headed there on Thursday right after school. And OH MY WORD they had the best time.
I always miss them, but I love knowing that they are together and making wonderful memories.
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*WHAT I’M DOING THIS WEEKEND*
The 1st Annual Manda Strong Gala is this weekend! I’m excited to get all dressed up with the hubby, hang out with some friends, and raise some money for some precious moms! I’m wearing a little black dress that I’ve had in my closet for a bit, but I grabbed these sassy heeled sandals (the multi snakeskin!) and these funky earrings (the black and gold option!) to funk the dress up a bit. So many of my friends have worked incredibly hard on this event, and we are so excited to attend!
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*WHAT I’M EXCITED ABOUT*
See Above!
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*WHAT I’M LISTENING TO*
Something on Disney+ in the background.
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*WHAT I’M WORKING ON*
I know this is going to sound silly, but I’m working realllllllly hard on finishing this post! As I type this sentence right now, it’s 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Carter just walked through the door, and I have MUCH MORE that I still need to link and write on this post before it goes live tomorrow morning. I’m typically either finished with or at the very least much farther along on a post than where I am now, so I might be burning the midnight oil for this one!
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*WHAT I’M WATCHING – THE BACHELOR RECAP*
Here are my 10 thoughts on this week’s episode. By the way, I’m affectionately giving this episode the following title: Wiggle It, Just a Little Bit.
1. I swear that Peter’s scar gets more and more dramatic every week. It’s a deeper color, it’s puffier, and it’s definitely more defined. Vitamin E, people! Neosporin! ANYTHING!
2. At the end of the rose ceremony from last week, Maddie told Peter she needed to talk to him. This week we saw Maddie tell Peter that if he were to like sleep with the like other girls like next week, that she wouldn’t be like able to like move forward with him. I like totally like support what Maddie is like saying, but I like wish she would like say it, without like, saying like, as many times as she like did.
Which created quite the conundrum for our pilot.
Peter was like UM. But that is like the entire reason that Vicky is like here.
If you listened closely, you could hear the Bachelor producers rustling papers in the distance. They were making scheduling changes to make very sure that Madi would be the last fantasy suite date.
3. OMG y’all. The Bachelor producers had a stroke of freaking genius. They decided to have all the girls room together while in Australia. So think about it… they would get picked up for their overnight dates in front of each other…and they would return from their overnight dates in front of each other. I mean, that’s reality tv gold.
4. Hannah Ann’s overnight date was first. And somebody needs to have a talk with Hannah Ann. #likehermother #oraconcernedaunt #ORHERGYNECOLOGIST. Those aren’t shorts, Hannah Ann. Those are denim panties. AND CHAFING IS REAL.
5. Okay, this is important. During the break, there was a commercial announcing a new senior version of The Bachelor. In my mind, that’s going to be like The Golden Girls on crack. I mean, they are at least sure to be over-indulging in mimosas and Bloody Mary’s. And if ABC thinks I’m going to watch Meemaw and Peepaw find love as they try to rise above the other senior contestants, well then they’re right.
6. On her date, Hannah Ann basically said the opposite of Maddie. In a wayyyyyyyyy more flowery way, she said go ahead and do the big wiggle with the other girls. I don’t mind. Peter was like thank you, that’s very considerate.
And then Hannah Ann and Peter did the big wiggle. I mean, I don’t know that for a fact. But I’m 99.9999999999999999999999999999999% sure that they wiggled. Right after they role played Jack and Rose. #neverletgo
And the .0000000001% of wiggle doubt I had was squashed when Hannah Ann walked back into the house with the girls AFTER her overnight date. My goodness she was pleased with herself. She looked like the cat who had wiggled with the canary.
7. Next up, Victoria. I don’t even remember what they did during the day, but on their dinner date, Peter cheered to them “not giving up”. Well now, if that’s not a glass is 1/2 full perspective, I don’t know what is. He also told her there’s nothing that she needs to work on. I’M SORRY, WHAT? And then it took her about 23 seconds to start whining again. And all Peter did was wipe away her tears and say that he loves how their relationship challenges him. Which was code for “Shut your mouth, woman. It’s wiggle time.”
8. So, yeah. Vicky and Peter totally wiggled too. When she entered the girl’s house, she had a freshly wiggled look about her and a fresh wiggle glow radiating from deep within. Madi asked, “Do you feel like you got clarity?” And Victoria said, “Yeah, I feel like it was productive.” Which for some reason kicked up my gag reflex.
Madi was displeased. But there’s a silver lining, because she looks really pretty when she’s really ticked off.
9. It was finally time for Madison’s fantasy suite date to start. They went 90 stories up to get a view of the city, and I would have been like “OH HELL NO.” But they successfully ignored the elephant in the room and didn’t talk about the fact that he had just wiggled with 2 other women.
10. Back at the girl’s house, Hannah Ann was telling Vicky how Madison had told Peter that she wouldn’t be able to move forward if he had been intimate with the other girls. And Victoria was both annoyed and disgusted.
Victoria, I have one thing to say to you, “I AM SO SURE.”
11. While talking to Madi at dinner that night, she finally divulged that not only would him wiggling with others be a deal breaker, but that he shouldn’t be expecting to wiggle with her either.
GOOD FOR YOU, MADI! STAY TRUE TO WHO YOU ARE!
Peter said, “I respect the hell out of you, but that’s not me, and we’re different in that regard. I’ll respect your views and I’m not saying we have to have the same, but what are your expectations with me?” Well, that’s a great question, Peter, BUT SHE’S ALREADY ANSWERED IT. Madi then explained that she for sure wouldn’t be able to move forward if he had in fact slept with the other women.
And Peter was like….
(That’s for you, Erika. Did you think I wasn’t going to sneak her in this season? Because OF COURSE I was.)
Madi just couldn’t come to terms with the fact that he could potentially propose to her in 6 days if he had in fact just wiggled with another girl.
Because seriously, y’all. EW.
And that’s all I have in me for recapping today. I will say, they’ve sucked me back in with the previews next week FOR SURE. If you need to review, you’re in luck:
Click HERE for my musings from Week 1 where we met all the girls and knew we were going to be in for a wild ride.
Click HERE for my musings from Week 2. You know the episode, it’s where our “shy little wall flower with insecurity issues” stripped down to black lace lingerie on the runway ON NATIONAL T.V. and made out with Peter. Good times.
Click HERE for my musings from Week 3. It was the week of the lamest pool party EVER.
Click HERE and scroll down to WHAT ARE WE WATCHING for my musings for Week 4. I once again tried to educate the general population on how to fill out a Bachelor application, should you ever apply.
Click HERE for my musings from Week 5. I mean, you have to read about MyKenna’s tongue.
Click HERE for Week 6. It’s where I questioned Madi’s love for Peter since her thighs weren’t acting appropriately.
Click HERE for my musings from last week’s Hometown Dates!
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*WHAT I’M WEARING*
I’ve snapped some pics over the last couple of weeks as I was walking out the door, so today’s outfits are a random assortment of things I’ve been wearing during my life as I’ve volunteered at school, gone to church, run to lunch with a friend, headed to the dentist, etc.
Our church is pretty casual, and I find myself wearing these boot cut jeans a lot in the cooler months.
taupe sweater sold out (other Chelsea28 sweaters HERE)/ teardrop statement earrings / multistrand necklace / boot cut jeans / similar leopard booties
The jewelry really makes this outfit!
taupe sweater sold out (other Chelsea28 sweaters HERE)/ teardrop statement earrings / multistrand necklace / boot cut jeans / similar leopard booties
This next sweater is a vibrant and colorful stripe. I’m obviously wearing it with dark jeans here to transition into Spring, but how cute would it be with white jeans too! It would also be great with navy work pants or a navy pencil skirt.
It’s soft, has a flattering fit, and is definitely nice enough to wear to the office as well.
I wore this doing errands last week on one of the unseasonably warm days.
striped bateau neck striped sweater / love knot earrings / dainty pendant necklace / raw hem skinny jeans / perforated star sneaker
This LOVE top is a sweatshirt, but it’s a very light sweatshirt. It’s also stupid soft and crazy cute. I’m obviously wearing it with jeans here, but it would be so cute with these grey joggers (one of my favorite pairs) and my mesh sneakers (apricot – size down a 1/2). A jean jacket would also look great thrown over it if paired with the joggers.
LOVE sweatshirt / love knot earrings / dainty pendant necklace / colorful bracelet stack / raw hem skinny jeans / perforated star sneaker
Did y’all notice my sneaks in the pictures above? White sneakers are all the rage right now, and Social Threads was nice enough to send me this perforated star sneaker. AREN’T THEY SO CUTE? They have a perforated leather upper, a leather lining, and a rubber sole. I like the graphic laces that I have in them, but you will also receive a set of plain white laces if you want to switch them out. I’m wearing my regular 6 1/2s, and they feel a little big, but I’m not sure if sizing down a 1/2 size would make them too small. Instead, I’m just going to mess with the laces a bit and cinch them in to hopefully make them a bit more narrow.
Click HERE for other sneaker options that I’m LOVING. The neutral option and the camo option are both darling too.
Last week I showed you this sweater, but I’ve styled it differently here. It’s not long, but it’s definitely not cropped either. The white band on the bottom makes it perfect for wearing out and not doing a half tuck. It hits at a good place on the hips to wear it like this. It’s very soft, very comfy, and quite flattering.
It comes in 3 different color block patterns, and I love all three. It’s a lightweight sweater that I will wear now (great for layering), but I will also most definitely be wearing it well into Spring. I’m wearing a medium.
colorblock sweater / love knot earrings / dainty pendant necklace / colorful bracelet stack / raw hem skinny jeans / perforated star sneaker
I showed the sweater last weekend with light wash boot cut jeans and wedges, and I ended up getting lots of questions about the jeans, so you will find the answers to those above the next picture.
colorblock sweater / statement hoops / bracelets / light wash boot cut jeans / similar wedges from same maker
Y’all know I’m always wearing the dark wash itty bitty boot cut jeans, so I couldn’t resist this light wash version for Spring and Summer. I’m wearing my regular size 4s, but size down if between sizes. Democracy also has boot cut versions, so you can check out Amazon for boot cut too!
Here are the answers to the questions I received about the jeans:
*Q: Since they are spring and summer jeans, are they heavy? A: The weight of the material is lighter than my other boot cut jeans. These aren’t as thick and should be great during the hotter months.
*Q: Is the boot cut opening smaller than on my other Wit and Wisdom boot cut jeans? A: Good eye! Yes, the opening is smaller. These are also tighter on me through the thighs and the calves, but they are still wonderfully stretchy and flattering.
*Q: How tall are you? Are you wearing the regular or petites? A: I’m 5’4″ and I’m wearing the 4Regulars. Again, size down if between sizes.
colorblock sweater / statement hoops / bracelets / light wash boot cut jeans / similar wedges from same maker
I’m so excited about this next outfit.
First, let’s talk about the slub cotton sweater. It comes in several colorways, but I was immediately drawn to the color combo of these stripes. And I love that it’s got a lot of texture to it (it has a bit of a handmade feel), but it’s still soft. I’m totally able to do a 1/2 tuck with it, and probably will, but I know that there are lots of you that prefer sweaters that look great without a 1/2 tuck. And this one does! I’m wearing the small and it’s a relaxed fit.
slub cotton sweater / love knot earrings / dainty pendant necklace / light wash ankle jeans / leopard sneakers
The jeans are…you guessed it…Wit and Wisdom.
And they have…you guessed it…Ab-Solution technology.
I’m 5’4′, wearing the regular 4s, and they still hit me at the ankle. They are a great wash and a non-distressed look for Spring and Summer. And check out the booty-lift construction.
light wash ankle jeans / leopard sneakers
And this was the outfit I wore to get a mani-pedi last week. The softest sweatsuit IN THE WORLD and Havianas flip flops, because you got to keep those piggies free after they get painted!
I’m wearing a medium in the sweatshirt and a small in the joggers.
Lou and Grey Softblend sweatshirt / Lou and Grey Softblend joggers / pave huggie earrings / Havianas flip flops
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*SALE ALERTS*
This hoodie just went 40% OFF!
And oohhhhhhhhhemmmmmmmmgeeeeeeee is it cozy! It’s lightweight, but still manages to be very warm. The body is lined with faux shearling, but the sleeves aren’t which keeps it from looking too bulky. It’s super super soft, and I’m so happy to have it!
faux shearling lined hoodie / white tee / huggie earrings / drusy heart necklace / jeans / mesh sneakers (apricot)
Check out the soft lining.
faux shearling lined hoodie / white tee / huggie earrings / drusy heart necklace / jeans / mesh sneakers (apricot)
The camo version with the pop of pink is DARLING, and it also comes in a classic leopard print with a pop of red!
Click HERE for the Sorel boots below. They have FANTASTIC reviews and they just went 60% OFF!
These snakeskin beauties from Steve Madden just went 60% OFF too, making them right at $40! THAT’S CRAZY!
These leopard booties are 60% OFF too, making them UNDER $50!
And you can click HERE to shop Clinique and get more details on this awesome special! It’s a really great gift with purchase!
And last, but certainly not least, stock up on Colleen products now during their SITE WIDE SALE if you are running low or want to try something new!
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That’s all for today, ladies! Now don’t forget to link up and let us know what’s going on with you this fine Wednesday!
Lisa says
Literally LOLing at your Bachelor recap! Ha, you could not have explained it any better!!
Susan Jeffries says
Oh gosh I do have some major respect for Maddie!! This has made for great conversation with our college daughter! And that leopard hoodie has my name on it! Love it! I admire your continuing love for your friend Manda.
Sarah Benson says
Meemaw and Peepaw! I literally laughed out loud. Beautiful tribute to your friend, Manda. I think you all need to raise the goal!! I contributed this morning. Thanks for the great post today. I cried and then laughed and then shopped. 🙂
Sheaffer says
Oh my goodness, Sarah. THANK YOU SO MUCH! It means so much to us when our readers support us like this. xoxo
Addison says
You have the BEST Bachelor recaps! I wish we could watch together! I donated this morning. Such a beautiful tribute!
Sheaffer says
Oh my goodness. Thank you so much, Addison. We appreciate it so very much. xoxo
Julie says
I totally like lol like at your recap, like several times.
Terry C says
Thanks for the intel on the Bobeau zipup being on sale – I just bought the camo version at the regular price. I’ve already emailed Nordstrom and they’ve already responded and credited me the difference. Score one for YOU and Nordy’s price adjustment policy! <3
Joanne says
Oh wow; Manda sounds like she was a really amazing woman.
Sheaffer says
She was one of a kind, Joanne! xoxo
Kelly says
Lord do I love your bachelor recaps- I can hear you in my head as I’m watching the show and I’m all “can’t wait to hear what Sheaffer says about this!” ?
Shay Shull says
I have been so overwhelmed with everyone’s support today!!!! Manda would be so proud!
Kelly says
Sheaffer please don’t ever stop your bachelor recaps! It doesn’t matter what kind of day I’m having, when I read them I always log out loud at some point!! Thank you for taking the time it really is appreciated ? plus I buy the stuff you tell me to?
Sheaffer says
You’re too sweet, Kelly! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment!!!! xoxo
Amanda says
Sheaffer you are the best!!!! I swear your recaps are exactly what I am thinking. Love it!!
Debbie says
Seriously , SLP needs to provide real help for “like” syndrome. Can’t get a single sentence out of their mouths! ?
Laura Fuller says
I totally agree with Maddie. Proposing such a short time after you’ve wiggled with someone else is just GROSS. And it doesn’t matter who you are, what show you’re on…etc…
Laurie S says
A little late on the comments… Bachelor recap – when I first read “Wiggle…” I burst into laughter. I interpreted your words so differently… You see, a friend and I do blood tests frequently, and we share how the lab tech does – “a stab/poke and a slight wiggle” to get the needle into the vein… My goodness that Bachelor wiggles a lot…