Workin Girl Wednesday

Hey Friends! So most of you know that I am "on a mission" between now and my birthday, September 25th. I just know for sure my sweet friend Sarah is going to make my favorite homemade strawberry cake and I definitely plan on having some. So, when I finished my challenge this time I made the commitment to stay focused with my diet and exercise all the way to my birthday. I have been eating in at lunch every day, which gets really old and monotonous sometimes. Today I had a special treat and got to go to lunch with my mom and her BFF Mrs. Mary. I love that they come to our little town of Philadelphia to check out the stores and shop. We went to City Limits in Philadelphia. Now normally i would have gotten an appetizer called Cheese Sticks. Which are actually huge fried balls of cheese in marinara sauce, yes I said huge balls of fried cheese. I guess they didn't want to call them Cheese Balls on the menu. Anyway, a salad, because their house salad is AH-mazing, and wait for it...Shrimp-N-Grits. They are phenomenal! Maybe some fried craw fish tails as well. Today, however,  I ordered Surf-N-Turf which is an 8 oz sirloin and grilled shrimp on top. I had a side of steamed veggies instead of the potato. I also had the house salad but I dipped my fork in the dressing on the side. I even turned down their hot, buttery rolls! Go me! It was just as satisfying and really just as good. I am not saying I will never eat Shrimp-N-Grits or Fried Cheese "Sticks" or balls whatever, again, I mean lets be honest, it's Shrimp-N-Grits. I am just staying focused and determined to reach my goals! Mini victory for me! Kellie-1, Food-0!

 Today I wore one of my most favorite tops. I love royal blue. I don't wear it often since I feel like somewhat of a traitor (cross town rivals are red and royal blue) but I figure it doesn't hurt every now and then. Top is from Charming Charlie's, Pants from Express, Shoes from the Shoe Department. They are from Fergie's shoe line "Fergaliscious"...And that they are. Peep toe black pumps are my fav! Make sure you follow me on Instagram @kmpenson to see my #OOTD posts as part of my Fashion File page!








Tonight we have the last night of Wonderful Wednesday Revival at our church. I will be singing the solo part of the song "Blessed Messiah, My Redeemer" with the choir. It is a beautiful song and I am so excited to have a new one to sing. Great way to end Wednesday for this workin' girl!

TALK TO ME TUESDAY

I am being brave, I am sharing my story. This is my blog, about me, my life. I realize that I am not a fashion marketing major, I don't own my own business, I am not a personal trainer, a nutritionist, or an authority on anything else that I share on this blog. This blog is about me, things I love, things I do, people I share my life with. The blood, sweat, so much sweat, tears, lots of tears, I have shed over the last few years struggling to lose weight and change my lifestyle. I am an open book, what you see it what you get. That must be where Landon gets it from. What kind of example am I setting for my kids if I am not confident in who I am and whose I am. I have an amazing opportunity to share my story with all kinds of people from all walks of life through this blog. First and foremost, my prayer is that they read my testimony. Ultimately, all that matters in this life is that we choose to accept Jesus Christ as our Savior and work to further His Kingdom. Secondly, I hope that they are inspired by my weight-loss story, and can see that anything is possible with hard work and dedication to a goal. Third, I hope they have some fun. Life is too short to not enjoy yourself. I love to laugh, that's the main reason I love my husband. If he wasn't so funny he would be in trouble all the time! Just kidding Chad. I love you with all my heart. Just had this on my mind this afternoon and found these quotes. Keep coming back for "Talk To Me Tuesday" motivational quotes and encouraging words! 

#truestory

#i<3batman

Where We Can Live Like Jack and Sally...: Weight Loss Inspirations

Where We Can Live Like Jack and Sally...: Weight Loss Inspirations

www.agirland3guys.blogspot.com

Christmas in August Luau

Saturday night we had our annual Christmas in August Celebration at Antioch Baptist Church. This is the time where we come together as a choir, fellowship, preview the upcoming cantata, and eat. EAT...  steak, baked potato, salad, garlic toast, and dessert. Yes, I had desert. I have worked hard for 26 days and I deserved a tiny piece of blueberry cobbler and ice cream. Oh, and one bite of choclate pudding. Okay that is all, back on track. We dressed in "Hawaiin" themed attire and had a "Luau". It was so much fun. Every year we have a theme and that makes it even more fun! Chad said he looked more like a tourist than a "Hawaiian". I thought he looked cute. Plus, he got extra points for going. He has been sick all weekend and didn't feel like it at all. He took one for the team and went with me. Yes, I color-coordinated our outfits. 

Between previewing music we read parts of the cantata/drama to get a feel for what we would be doing. Our drama/cantata will have a "Homeless" theme. We will be under an overpass, acting out a drama as a homeless community at Christmas time. It is going to be amazing. I am getting cold chills just "typing" about it! 

It was Mrs. Jeanetta's birthday so we sang happy birthday to one of the sweetest, most precious little lady's I've ever known. So glad we got to be a part of her special day! She is one stylish, snazzy dresser too

! I have known two of her grand daughters my entire life. Small world fact: She has known Chad his whole life, and she has known me my whole life. She knew Chad through church at Antioch and me through my grandmother. The two grand- daughters were friends with Chad and friends with me but in totally different scenarios in two totally different places. Crazy huh?

We also played DIRTY SANTA. Now this is always the high light of the night. We exchange gag or unwanted re-gifted items.  I went home with the awfullest yellow hat last year. Chad went home with some ugly snake skin square toed shoes that he thought he was going to wear. He didn't. They were re-gifted this year. Mrs. Bess opened them. Bro. Ross is going to look so snazzy in them. Hahahahaha. 

The best gift by far was opened by Mr. Jerry, Captain America Underoo's (see the picture)! It was hysterical! He was a great sport. Come to think of it. He was the life of the party the last time we had a luau for christmas in August in 2009. He got a Moo-Moo that year. Now, if you don't know what a moo-moo is, you apparently aren't from the south or you don't have a MeMaw or Granny. 

2009

2013

Our Minister of Music was presented with a quilt with all of the choir members names from every year he has been at Antioch. It was pretty cool. What an amazing testament to his service to our church and all of those people. Wayne works really really hard to prepare for each service and lead us in worship.

I had to put this picture on here. This is Mr. Bill and Mrs. Glenda. Talk about a sweet couple. Mr. Bill didn't mind one bit at all posing for a picture with his sweetheart. Loved their matching "Hawaiian" wear too! Love it when everyone participates in the fun! Can you say PRECIOUS?

Some how Chastity always ends up with something interesting. Steven opened a gift with this little monkey and a "Monkey Fart" scented candle. If you know Chas you know that she isn't really into monkeys, or candles that smell like them. Last year she ended up with "little Christmas things", it was actually a tiny tea-set with an "apple" theme. we aren't sure how she got "little Christmas things" from apples but either way it reappeared and went home with someone else this year! 

Wait I'm not ready

One of my favorite things about Christmas in August is getting to spend some time with my church friends, especially my sis-in-law/BFF Chastity. We love to "dress" up. She isn't too crazy about the not-so-sparkly cantata them but somehow I am pretty sure she will find a way to wear some bling! 

Me and Lib

Steph and Suzanne scaring Wayne to death

My fellow out-law Steven

We had such a great time! I love my church family and my choir buddies! 

That is what you call REAL FUN! 

2009

#OOTD #FASHIONFILE #LUAU

Dress by Flying Tomato from Glitz & Glamour

SEC LOVE

COLLEGE GAME DAY GLAM

In the South we love college football, we love tailgating, we love game day, we love, love, love the SEC! In honor of college football kick-off weekend I have picked my top three favorite game day/tailgate finds for a couple of SEC teams. Most of these outfits or a combination of them can be found at the shops I have listed in my Fashion File. You should always be ready for game day, game day glamorous!

ALABAMA

What can I say, BAMA has my heart. I am slightly obsessed with houndstooth. I just can't help myself. It's in my blood! 

ROLL TIDE ROLL!

MISSISSIPPI STATE

My favorite Mississippi team has some of the cutest game day finds around! 

Maroon, White, Maroon, White! 

LSU

I only did this one for my sweet, die-hard LSU, fashion savy, mommy-of-three friend Margaret. 

Geaux Tigers!

OLE MISS

I am not an OLE MISS fan at all BUT I have to admit that these are some of my most favorite dresses and color combos! Hotty Toddy! 

SOUTHERN MISS

Okay first of all, I know that USM is not part of the SEC, but I had to give USM some love for my EAGLE girls! 

JUDITH MARCH COLLEGE

GAME DAY TANKS

GAME DAY GLAM

Judith March has the best selection of cute unique Game Day dresses around! These are some of my favorite finds, and wish list items to show off that PHILLY TORNADO PRIDE!

In honor of kicking off football season, over the next few weeks I am going share my favorite "Game Day Glam" pieces. I will also throw in some pieces that will never be in my closet, but would make some of my friends very happy, like purple and geauxld for example. Game day in the South means something totally different for us girls. We love our football, and we love to look cute watching it! 

I had to start of with black and red, with some white mixed in. It is my favorite color combination and I have to stop myself at times from buying black and red because my closet is full of it. Probably because I can interchange a lot of the hounds tooth pieces between Philadelphia Tornadoes and Alabama. For this post though, it's all about the "Black and Red Wagon". Judith march is my absolute favorite when

it comes to finding that perfect game day dress. See, High School football weather in the south can range from 98 degrees at the beginning of the season to 40 degrees by the end of the season, depending on how far we make it into the play-offs (which we have done for several years in a row). Sometimes I do like to change it up and go for black and white with red accessories. Dresses are perfect for the start of the season.  I mainly showed you dresses above so I also want to throw in a few of my favorite top styles I have found that are perfect for when it's hot at kick-off but cooler at the 2:00 minute warning. 

Sleeveless bow back tank  is super cute with red or white skinny jeans. Red skinny jeans with white or black bow back 3/4 length top is great for October games. Red off the shoulder, strapless top with black skinny jeans is perfect for September through October games.

All of these pieces mix and match so nicely with skirts, shorts, capri's, or pants. Endless possibilities!

Of course you will always want to throw in a cute necklace, earrings, and a couple bracelets that coordinate, but this is a fairly simple way to be Game Day Glamorous at your next Philly Football Game!

Happy FOOTBALL SEASON KICK-OFF!

Roll Tornadoes! 

TOO CUTE NOT TO SHARE BELOW!!!

Philly Game Day Finds at Glitz and Glamour:

Philly Game Day Finds at Jewelry Just 4 Fun:

Philly Game Day Find at Rugged Bliss:

NOT A FAN...

NOT A FAN...

My Sunday morning routine starts the same way almost every Sunday. Get up, start breakfast, iron clothes, get Chad out the door for Deacon's meeting then attempt to exercise. I say attempt to exercise because I am NOT a morning person. Nor and I a "fan" of morning workouts. I don't know how in the world people get up morning after morning and go to the gym. I pretty much have to get my exercise in prior to church on Sundays because we have choir and by the time I get home and do lunch it is almost time to go back. Today, especially because we had a spaghetti lunch to help us raise money for Youth Camp. Now, I am mainly smiling in this pic because, well it's a picture and frowning is not very becoming. On my Instagram post it has #morningrun, #whodatlove, and #wontbesmilingwhenthisisover. I should have put #onlysmilingforapicturewontsmiletherestoftherun. We are huge New Orleans Saints fans, hence the tank top. What does it mean to be a fan? Is it becuase you go to or watch every game,  cheer them on, buy almost everything you see with a fleur de lis on it (which I do), follow Drew Brees on Twitter, or just post about them on Facebook? Are you a bandwagon fan? Do you only like your team when they are winning or have a good season? Do you jump ship when times get tough? Now Chad Penson is a TRUE Saints fan. Through the bag years and all he has loved the Saints. I can recall him for years on end saying "Well, maybe next year" at the end of a season. He would wear his Who Dat? t-shirt proudly either way. Then came that magical moment, if you don't know which one I am talking about you must not like football or you live under a rock. "Laissez le bon temps rouler" or Let the Good Times Roll." It is a miracle the Saints won the Super Bowl. Wow, what an amazing event, and boy what a following that came after. 


Okay so I told you in my Sunday in the South page that one of my latest adventures is teaching youth girls sunday school. I haven't actually started teaching yet. I have started going to class with them to familiarize myself with the study they have been doing. I won't actually start teaching for a couple of weeks. The study is called "Not a Fan" by Kyle Idleman. It talks about what it really means to follow Jesus. To me "Not a Fan" almost sounds silly. I mean, not a fan of JESUS, or not a fan in general? I'm confused. I thought being a fan was a good thing, and of course I "follow" Jesus. I am a Christian. Since I am a little behind I am going back through chapters 1-3. While reading I came across this..."Fans have a tendency to confuse their knowledge for intimacy. They don't recognize the difference between knowing about Jesus and truly knowing Jesus."
Hmmmm, being a fan can be a good thing, but we should be followers of Jesus, not fans. We know a lot about our teams, their stats, their history, their uniform colors, their abilities. But most of us don't really know them. (Even though Drew and I are tight now that I basically tackled him in the San Diego Airport, and since he graciously made a picture with this crazy woman from Mississippi and her husband who was all but smelling his cologne he was so close to him.) I mean like on a personal level. Sure, most Christian people know about who Jesus is, His history, His promises, His abilities, but do we KNOW HIM? Personally, intimately?  Do we treat Jesus this way? Do I treat Jesus this way? Do I want to stand as close to him as I was Drew? Am I as excited to talk to Him as I was Drew Brees? Do I only desire a close, right relationship with God when big things are happening at church? I am not saying it is wrong to want to meet your favorite athlete, or cheer on your favorite team (believe me I do). I am just saying that I don't want to be just a fan of Jesus Christ. I want to be a follower. There is a difference and I should treat Him as such in my life.  I can't wait to continue this study with that group of amazing young women. Our church is blessed with some teenagers that are not fans but followers of Jesus Christ. What an honor and privilege it is to have the opportunity to teach them, and learn with them.

#OOTD #SundayintheSouth

Today's "Outfit of the Day" was a sundress by Karlie from Williams Brothers paired with nude strappy wedges by Refresh, from Jewelry Just for Fun, and for church a white denim jacket from Old Navy. Adding a cute jacket or coat to any strapless, halter style, or small strap dress, or top more appropriately carries your outfit to church or work. This particular dress I would even pair with a dark denim crop jacket and cowboy boots in the fall. Love transitional pieces that I can wear anywhere.