Art & Design of Kelli Murray

The 52 Project – a portrait series of my daughter, once a week, every week, in 2013

I always knew I wanted a little girl one day.  I had a gut feeling that I was having a boy the first few months of my pregnancy, but Sam always told me he “just knew” it was a girl.  Clearly, his intuition was far stronger than my own.  We both knew that playing that guessing game meant nothing…because really, whatever we were blessed with we would love them all the same.  But I do love that when he touched my belly, he “just knew”.

I was asked an interesting question the other day.  One of those questions that make you pause and think for a minute or two.

“Do you think expressing your sense of style sends a positive message to you daughter?”

My first reaction was to say of course (mildly offended)…or that in fact, it’s not really affecting her much at all.  But then it got me thinking….how does my love for fashion and clothes really affect my daughter.  Or more importantly, how WILL it affect her.  She watches my every move.  She watches me get dressed in the morning and put on my makeup.  She tries on my shoes and loves to carry her little purse around, just like mommy.   It makes me laugh and I can’t help but swallow her up in a big squeeze and smack her on the cheek with a kiss.  We joke that we created a mini me.  And to a degree, it’s true.  (despite the fact that her looks are entirely Sam).

But the point is…while I do love fashion, it weighs nothing against the deepest desires of my heart.  Nor does it rank high on list of qualities I want to instill in my daughter.  Yes, it’s fun for me…and it might be fun for her one day too.  And I think that’ ok.  What’s important is that I am teaching her that her worth is not in what she looks like or the clothes she wears, but it is in her Creator.  I want her to grow up to love her body, to carry herself in confidence….to love other people and treat them with respect.  I want her to love God, and to know that no matter what, He loves her.  I want her to know that she is beautiful and has a purpose.

In saying all of these things, I am reminded to believe them in myself.  If only we were telling ourselves all of the things that we want to teach our daughters (or future daughters).  I mean, right!?  I think as women, we are all a little hard on ourselves.  We put ourselves down and often believe we are just “not enough”.  When in reality, we are more than enough.  There is no one just like us….and that alone is something to be celebrated.

you.are.beautiful.

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And congrats to Elizabeth Ann!  You are the winner of the Golden Thread Giveaway!  Email me with to claim your prize! xo.

I am a few days late on this, but I am over on 100 Layer Cake sharing this simple gilded clay feather tutorial!  So many different ways you can use these little beauties!  Head on over to 100 Layer Cake for the full DIY post! Hope you have fun with this tutorial!

 Crochet Inset Gauze Top - Urban Outfitters / Leather Skirt – Anthropologie / Shoes c/o Choies / Arrowhead Necklace and Vermeil Monogrammed Disk Necklace c/o Golden Thread

I am so excited to share with you today’s giveaway!

Introducing, Golden Thread:  a beautiful line of jewelry out of Houston, Texas, designed by the ever talented Jennifer Welker.  Jennifer has created a collection of true personalization and style…a mix of classic and trends….the designs include everything from diamond initials to birthstone pendants, paired with monogrammed discs and refined charms. Perfect for everyday layering! This line lets you actively choose in the creative design process and produce whatever fits your personal style! This is my favorite part about it!  The options are endless.  Handmade here in the USA, the line retails from $40 to $800…perfect for all occasions…for brides, for mothers, for friends and hostesses, for bridal party, for graduation….and even for baby & child.  You can imagine my excitement about that one!  I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect petite gold necklace for Rylee for I don’t know how long.  Little did I know that Golden Thread had every option I could have imagined!  And as you can also imagine, these photos of her necklace were incredibly difficult to capture! One year olds don’t like to stand still! But how cute is it!?

Rylee is wearing the Block Letter Charm Necklace

It’s no wonder Golden Thread has attained worldwide recognition since launching only in 2010.  Golden Thread was recently featured on NBC’s TODAY Show and has been featured in People Style Watch, In Style Magazine, Redbook Magazine and is a favorite at GLAMOUR magazine!

And today, they are giving away one of their most popular necklaces to one of you!   You can enter below to win this Antiqued Large Gold Disc Initial Necklace…with your initials of course….retailing for $145.  They are also offering my readers 15% off their entire order today through Sunday, June 16th using the discount code GOLDENKELLI.

To Enter:

 Dress & Sandals – Urban Outfitters

Hey guys! Thank God it’s Friday!  Honestly, thank you God! This week has been a crazy one.  Well, the last two weeks really.  Hence my lack of “meat” here on the blog.  I hope you’l forgive me!  I recently started working on a big secret personal project that I am soooo excited about.  It’s hard to STOP working on it because I’ve been having so much fun, but my head hasn’t hit the pillow earlier than 2am for I don’t know how many nights now.  Totally healthy, I know.  It’s starting to catch up with me (mostly in the sacs right beneath my eyes! ha!)  I know saying all this is a total tease and I’m sorry.  But for now, that’s all I can leave you with! (but I promise it’s good, just you wait).

But about my outfit. I’ve said it before, but summer is all about easy breezy shapeless dresses for me.  I really can’t get enough.  There is nothing more comfy than a lightweight dress and a simple sandle.  So here’s my no frill, wear it every day, warm weather attire.  What’s your favorite summertime wardrobe staples?

Oh, and here is this weeks favorite Rylee girl pic since, yet again, I missed my usual 52 project post.

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**And last but not least, congrats to Cara Howard for winning the ever+mi.crush giveaway! Email me to claim your prize!

Happy weekend friends!  And thanks a bunch for reading!

Hello summer wishlist!  I’ll take one of each, please.

1. Brixton Savannah Hat  // 2.  Illesteva Leonard Cheetah Sunglasses  //  3.  Wrap Front Flippy Dress  //  4.  Highlow Jewelry – Untitled (Ardor) Necklace  //  5.  Starla Plank Sandal  //  6.  Jacquard Pattern Handbag