February 2018 - Della Devoted

8 Life Lessons I've Learned Lately



This is an uncomfortable topic for me to discuss, but one that I feel is necessary.  I won't go into much detail, but I will say that this last year has been a trying year and full of struggle. However, God has been good and brought my family and I through some very tough times. I am not at all the person that I was a year ago. I have changed as a person in more ways than one. I like to think that I have changed for the better but I guess that's up to God to decide on that one. I'm going to let go of my pride and share with you somethings that I have learned in the last year.

  • I have learned to be less judgemental. Let's face it, we all are at one point and time. Afterall, we are only human. 
  • I have learned to be less opinionated. 
  • I have learned to be more kind. Everyone could use a little kindness thrown their way. You never know what kind of personal battle someone is facing. A smile and a little kindness can go a long way and brighten someone's day.
  • I have had to learn to forgive those who have said some hurtful and unkind things to me.
  • I have learned to Pray more and Trust God more
  • I have had to learn to live below our means, cut our expenses and really budget in order for us to not struggle so much financially. This has been a good thing though, because with every purchase we now question the necessity of it and spend our money more wisely.
  • I have learned that God puts us in some uncomfortable positions to grow and strengthen us.
  • Last but not least, I have learned about the love of God like never before. I have learned so much about God and grown so much as a Christian. I have learned a lot especially through my son Raylan. God uses him to work on me. My four year old son loves to go to church, he loves Jesus and always tells me that everything will be ok as long as we have Jesus in our hearts. He is exactly right! I pray he always keeps Jesus in his heart, is kind to everyone and keeps a love for church. I may not do very many things right in life, but I do know that teaching him about God is the best thing that I could ever do for him. Raylan motivates me to want to go to church more and be an all around better person.
Proverbs 22:6 "Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it."

"Life is a journey that must be traveled no matter how bad the roads and accommodations" - Oliver Goldsmith

I'm thankful for the journey that I had to go through so that I could learn these powerful life lessons and have a closer relationship with God. If It wasn't for the Journey, I wouldn't be the person that I am today.

What are some lessons that you have learned lately?


at No comments
Labels: ,

H54F: Birthday Fun


Welcome to the weekly High Five For Friday link-up hosted by Tif @ Bright On A Budget, Katie @ Cup of Tea, Becky @ BYBMG   and myself. We're glad you're here! High Five for Friday is where we come together to share five highlights or five favorite things from the past week each Friday.

1) On Tuesday Raylan turned 4. Where does the time go? It seems just like yesterday that my baby was born. I wish time would slow down. We celebrated by going to Story Time and having cupcakes with all of the kids. Later that evening we went to the Park and had more cupcakes since it was such a beautiful sunny day. His birthday party is next weekend, but I always try to do a little something for him on his actual birthday. He said he had a great birthday


2) My dad may have went a little overboard with Hot Wheels for Raylan's Birthday. Needless to say, Raylan was on Cloud 9! This kid has a serious love for hot wheels.


3) We have had some beautiful weather this week, so we have tried to enjoy it every second that we can.  I wish this warm weather would stay for good. I'm so ready for Spring!
I snapped this photo of Raylan by a tree while outside and I love how it turned out. It's not often that he will actually look at the camera. 

4) Speaking of Warm Weather, the other morning Raylan and I were out on the porch early enjoying such a beautiful day. There is nothing better than a good cup of coffee on your front porch just taking in all of the beautiful creation that God has made. It's so relaxing.

5) I'm proud to say that I am down 7.2 pounds and I definitely feel much better. I'm so thankful that Justin and I decided to take on a healthier lifestyle together. 


This week's featured blogger is Nina from A World of Dresses. Nina is an American from Cincinnati, Ohio who now lives in Spain. She teaches English. You will find style tips, travel, self-love and women's empowerment on Nina's blog. She has a great blog. Please stop by and say hello to Nina.







at No comments

Pop of Spring






Happy Wednesday or Hump Day Everyone! I hope your week is going smoothly. Today I'm sharing this Pop of Spring look on the blog. Recently in Kentucky, we have had some absolutely beautiful weather. It has been so nice out and has felt just like spring, even the frogs have been making their noise along with all of the chirping birds. It has me wanting to breakout my spring wardrobe, but I'm not letting my guard down just yet. With Kentucky weather you just never know, so lately I'm keeping my sweaters light and adding pops of spring colors for my accessories.  

I'm loving this thin Zebra sweater. The stripes look white and black, but they are actually beige and black. So, I opted to add Turquoise and brown accessories. Whenever I see Turquoise I instantly think of Spring and Easter, so these colors were a must. We have had a lot of rain lately so that's why the boots are still being worn. It's a muddy mess around here. I'm loving these dark distressed jeggings to complete the look. It's the perfect look for when you want to start transitioning your wardrobe from Winter to Spring. A Pop of Spring always makes an outfit standout and be more cheerful. 

What is your favorite way to transition your Winter look into Spring?

Shop this look

Sweater// Rue 21 (no longer available) (Similar)
Distressed Jeggings // American Eagle
Boots// Thrifted
Accessories // Premier Designs

at No comments
Labels: , , , ,

H54F: Valentine's Day Fun



Welcome to the weekly High Five For Friday link-up hosted by Tif @ Bright On A Budget, Katie @ Cup of Tea, Becky @ BYBMG   and myself. We're glad you're here! High Five for Friday is where we come together to share five highlights or five favorite things from the past week each Friday.
I'm switching things up a bit and sharing with you my 5 favorite photos from this week. We have had a fun filled Valentine's week, so I wanted to share these photos with you...

1) The above photo is of Raylan and his Disney Cars Valentine's Box that we made for his Story Time Valentine's Party. He had a blast at his party!

2) Raylan filling out all of his ninja turtle Valentine Cards. I still can't believe he is old enough to be giving out Valentine Cards.


3) My beautiful Mini Rose Bush from Raylan and his poppy. It was so very sweet and thoughtful of them.


4) The sweetest gift ever from my hubby for Valentine's Day. I'm so glad he understands my love for yummy sweet treats. It was all so delicious, but the cheesecake filled strawberries were amazing!


5) A rainy day trip to Gattiland so Raylan could play. It was an early outing for the soon to be birthday boy.



This week's featured blogger is Meg from Borrowed Heaven. Meg is from New England but lives in the beautiful Charleston, SC. She blogs about married life, culinary favorites in which she shares a lot of recipes and everyday adventures. Meg has a great blog. Please hop on over and say hello to her!

Thanks for stopping by! Don't forget to link-up below. Have a blessed and safe weekend!

at No comments

H54F: Weddings & Family Time



Welcome to the weekly High Five For Friday link-up hosted by Tif @ Bright On A Budget, Katie @ Cup of Tea, Becky @ BYBMG   and myself. We're glad you're here! High Five for Friday is where we come together to share five highlights or five favorite things from the past week each Friday.

 1) On Saturday, I attended my best friend's mother's wedding. She has always seemed like a second mom to me. It was such a beautiful wedding and she was such a beautiful bride. I was also blessed with the chance to make the cake and photograph the wedding. I just love weddings!

 2) On Sunday evening, we went out to eat as a family. I love family nights and spending time with my favorite guys.

 3) Speaking of family time, we have had a few game nights this week. I enjoy game nights and so does Raylan. They are always such good ideas to beat winter boredom. 

 4) I have finally jumped on the bandwagon and started watching This is Us. I can't believe that I haven't watched it until now. I love it and now I'm addicted!

 5) Raylan and I have been making Valentine's Crafts this week. I love every holiday and get so excited to celebrate them and make memories with him. I always try to make a big deal out of all the holidays.

This week's featured blogger is Heather from My Glittery Heart.  Heather is a wife, mom and a craftaholic. Heather also enjoys DIY Projects. She has her own Etsy Shop and she is part of a Recipe Club. Heather has a great blog. Please stop by and say hello to her.

Thanks for stopping by! Don't forget to link-up below. Have a blessed and safe weekend!


at No comments

How I Style It: Galentine's Pink & Red




Welcome to the February installment of our "How I Style It" Blog Hop!  This is a monthly Blog Hop where we all get together to show you how we style our favorite fashion trends, and invite you to join us in showing off your passion for fashion as well!


                     Today we are sharing our Galentine's Looks for Valentine's Day









I love all holidays, so when I get the chance to dress for the occasion I take it.  Valentine's Day is no exception, so I like to dress the part. I'm loving this mixture of blush and red for Valentine's Day or as we like to call it Galentine's Day. I used to be afraid to pair Pink and Red, but the older I get the more I step out of my comfort zone when it comes to my wardrobe. Blush and Red are classic Valentine's colors, so why not combine the two? I think they are beautiful together.  I added a Triple Layer Red Necklace, Red Earrings and a Pink Bangle. To keep from having too much of the same colors, I offset the outfit with leopard flats. This outfit just screams love and I will be wearing it again for date night with the hubby. It's a classic sweetheart style!

What is your Galentine's Style?

Shop this look:

Shirt:// Ginger's Lerose Boutique
Jeggings // Rue 21
Fergie Leopard Print Flats: (Thrifted)
Necklace // Paparazzi Accessories
Bangle // The Navy Knot

Now join in to see how the other fashionistas in this blog hop styled their Galentine's  Styles as well and check out their links below:

Bright on a Budget
Blog | Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram | Bloglovin’ | Twitter
Della Devoted
What Nicole Wore

at No comments

February: All About Love


Hello Everyone! February is here and it is officially the month of Love. I'm linking up with the ladies from The Blended Blog to bring you this month's edition of TBB Q & A. These posts are always so much fun to read and learn about one another. Let's jump right in on the fun!

1) Kisses or Hugs? I love both but if I really had to pick one I would say hugs. A good hug makes everyone feel so much better and it makes you feel as if everything is going to be okay.

2) Candy or Flowers? I prefer Candy. Give me chocolate any day! My favorite is chocolate covered strawberries or Dove chocolates.

3) Baking or Cooking? Baking! I love just about all baked sweets

4) Do you remember your first kiss? Yes!

5)Favorite color of Roses? Yellow

6) Conversations Hearts? No, I never have liked the taste of them.

7) Do you leave love notes? Yes, I leave my husband a love note every single morning before he leaves for work.

8) Do you decorate for Valentine's Day? Sometimes I do, but this year I didn't.

9) Red or Pink? Both, but I wear more Pink.

10) Milk, White or Dark Chocolate? White Chocolate is my absolute favorite.

11) Do you believe in love at first sight? I fell in love with my son before first sight, but typically no I don't believe in love at first sight as far as relationships go.

12) Do you give Humorous or Serious Valentine Cards? Serious, It's the one time of year to really express your feelings for your significant other. 

13) Favorite Chick Flick or Romantic Movie? Sweet Home Alabama

14) Stay in or Go Out? Just depends on the weather. I'm perfectly content with either one.


at 1 comment

H54F: Baby Showers, Birthdays & Date Nights



Welcome to the weekly High Five For Friday link-up hosted by Tif @ Bright On A Budget, Katie @ Cup of Tea, Becky @ BYBMG   and myself. We're glad you're here! High Five for Friday is where we come together to share five highlights or five favorite things from the past week each Friday.

1) On Saturday, Justin and I had a date night and finally got to use one of our gift cards from Christmas. We had a gift card for Texas Roadhouse so we went on a double date with my best friend Melissa and her boyfriend Phillip. It was a dinner celebration to celebrate Melissa's 31st Birthday. It was a great day all around.

2) On Sunday, my little family went to a cousins baby shower. This makes the second girl baby shower that I have been to this month. 2018 must be the year for girls.

3) Over the weekend, we rented the movie American Made with Tom Cruise. It was actually a better movie than what I thought it would be. I love popcorn and movie nights with my little family. They are always my favorite.

4) Justin and I have been dieting since this first of January. We have been counting calories and trying our best to make healthier food choices. I'm proud to say that I am down 4.8 pounds and he is down 10 pounds. I hope we can continue to do well and get healthier.

5) I can't believe that it is already February. Raylan will turn 4 on the 20th of this month. I wish time could stand still for a little while. He's growing up way too fast. Now it's time to kick the birthday party planning in overdrive.


This week's featured blogger is Brenda from Chatting Over Chocolate. Brenda has been a good blogging friend for a while now and I just love her. She is the sweetest lady that you will ever know. She is a Christian, wife, and mom who loves Disney World and travelling. I love hearing all about her travels especially to Disney. She has a great blog. Please stop by and say hello to Brenda.






at No comments
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)

Shop My Style

Adsense