Happy Friday everyone!

It's been a windy one this week in PA. The leaves are blowing, my hair is flying, and I'm packing on the layers to battle the piercing wind. I needed something cozy, practically impenetrable, and obviously, stylish to get me through Friday.

In comes this  lace up sweater from INC International Concepts. I scored this by way of a free clothing subscription trial through Gwynnie Bee. Staying stylish on a budget is getting easier and easier! Basically, you search through loads of dresses, pants, and sweaters for what you like best, they send it to your house, and you can wear it as often as you like, send it back (or not), and repeat! This trial has been awesome because it's introduced me to a few plus size brands I'm not familiar with. including INC International Concepts, who blessed me with this awesome sweater.

This stretch knit top features a scoop neck, with easy slip on (the lace-up design is just a chic bonus). I've been going crazy about the lace up. crochet features on designs lately, and this one was just up my alley.






For all of my plus size divas, sizes 10-32, be sure to check out Gwynnie Bee for your closet needs. They do not disappoint, and what's better; there's no commitment!

Have a blessed weekend everyone!

Faithfully,
Brieana

I don't classify myself as a particularly emotional person. I cry during typical occasions (weddings, funerals, Grey's Antatomy episodes, etc.) But sometimes... things will hit me, or dare I say, rub me the wrong way. So in a moment of weakness, I vent to someone for a good 10 or 15 minutes, I go to the gym for an hour to release the frustrations, and I move on. Nowadays, I've begun to take that hour and 15 minutes to pray, meditate, and "break bread" with God. I assure you that the latter works more effectively. 

Being offended is a direct result of our ego feelings that something has been taken from us, or that we have been deprived of some unspoken respect or kindness from someone else. Being offended usually means that you assume certain motives on the part of the offender, and react to what happened as something that could have and should have been prevented.

For anyone who didn't enjoy my extremely abbreviated version, please visit Genesis 4:1-17.

Cain allowed what he felt he deserved ( and didn't get), lead him on a path of destruction and unrighteousness. Many of us do this in our daily lives at work (when we don't get a promotion), at home (when the kids don't say thank you), and even at church (when others are too slow to lay out the red carpet). I read through the story of Cain and Abel just as my ego began to deflate what I felt was unfair treatment. I wanted an apology! I wanted to be treaten better! I wanted!.....

I wanted. 
I wanted.
I WANTED. 

At that moment, I had to stop myself DEAD in my tracks, beg for forgiveness and look at exactly what I was doing wrong. God states in his word that “A man can receive nothing unless it is given to him from Heaven” (John 3:27 MKJV), So it was important in that moment for me to understand that my 1. I didn't DESERVE anything at that moment and 2. The real prize doesn't come form someone's pat on the back. And my being offended at what was done to me (or what I thought was wrongdoing), was only going to prevent me form continuing to do his works that I had been placed to do. So who would have been the real loser? Me,that's who.

Expectations about what we deserve from others or how we should be treated are sure fire ways to move on the "not so good foot" within the kingdom of God. When we have a moment of "But I'm great", its important to remember whose we are. Its even more important to take a second and think, "Why am I offended anyway?" I promise you 9 times out of 10, your answer won't be enough to leave you upset for long. So pick yourself up, grab a slice of humble pie, and thank the Lord for another great day for the righteous. 

His will be done. ;)

Reference scriptures

Proverbs 19:11
Matthew 18:15-17
Luke 6:22-23

Faithfully, 
Brieana

Good evening everyone! I just want to start this post off by saying I'm happier than a clam at this beautiful and breathtaking backdrop. I know most of us don't like the work of shoveling, slipping, and falling due to the snow, but I truly enjoyed the lazy Saturday I had watching it fall and then (dare I say) going out and "playing in it" later that evening. Of course, by playing in it, I mean shoveling all 16 inches, but those are the breaks when you're an adult. I enjoyed snowstorm Jonas, and as someone said to me today, "If its January 24th and this is our 1st snowstorm, we have a lot to be happy about." Truer words have never been spoken.


I own few tribal prints in my wardrobe, and one of the reasons for that is mainly because I always though they were too busy and I wasn't sure how to tone them down. I then learned that they didn't need to be toned down and that I should allow them to be its natural self. And breathtakingly so. I scored this wrap from Forever 21 Plus a while back. It has a fringe effect on the sleeves and its a very nice cotton blend. The wrap feature allows me to either wear it open or closed. Naturally, for this shoot, I chose closed. I love you guys, but tomorrow is my first day at my new job, I can't afford another cold!

These high waist pants are from an IG boutique that's no longer in business. I'm happy I was able to get them before they shut down. The marled black mixed in with the burgundy red creates a nice two toned look. This pants are awesome because they not only have a nice high waist, the only zipper on them is in the back, which gives an even more slimmed down and neat look.

The necklace is from one of my favorite jewelry small business, Lindo Jewelry. They also came with a matching pair of earrings,but my new 'do made them tough to see.

Did you step out fashionably during snowstorm Jonas? I'd love to see it! Comment below,

Faithfully,
Brieana

Story time!

The other day I was having a conversation with my boyfriend, and he said a very profound thing to me. He said, as human beings we tend to worry about things and that's where we normally lack in our lives. One of the most popular things we tend to worry about are our finances. And I can say this for myself that money is one of the things I think about all the time. Am I going to be able to afford this? How much will that cost? And the most pressing question: Will I have enough? He continued on with saying that we need to operate in rest over things that we would normally fret over.


I didn't know then that this discussion would ring true for me in just a few short days. I'm a Supports Coordinator at the county mental health office in East Stroudsburg. I had gotten this job just 7 short months ago after a hiatus of not working full time. It was a long time coming, and I was so thankful and grateful to have one. On Monday though, exactly one month from my 25th birthday, I got fired.

YUP, you read it right. Fired. Me. In my 25 years of living, I had never so much as gotten suspended from school or a note sent home. And on Monday, I sat looking unemployment in the face.While I could get into that story, I'll save it for another time. And as I left my now, former place of employment, I did one thing; I adopted a state of rest.

I know what you're thinking: BUT WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO NOW?! And for a split second, I thought those same things. Where will I go next? Is this termination going to impact my ability to get another job? WHAT ABOUT THE MONEYYYYYYY?!

Fast forward 10 hours later, I had calmed down (even more than I already was, again Praise God) some more.  I placed a phone call to an outpatient clinic that I previously interned for when I was still  getting my Master's degree. I had built quite a rapport with the director and one of the secretaries there. During my conversation with her, she told me "You're always welcome here. He's available today if you want to come in and chat."

At this point, I still wasn't expecting anything, and I wasn't worried.On the drive there, the song "I Won't Go Back" by William McDowell was laid upon my heart. As I drove and listened to the song, the words "there's nothing to go back to." resonated with me. And I thought to myself, that while I would love to go back to my old job and explain that there must have been some kind of mistake, it wasn't worth it. The sense of calm that came over me as I left that place was one clue to that.

So I arrived at the clinic, with nothing in hand, again ready to tell the story of my departure from my old gig. After about 20 minutes of casual conversation and catching up, I was handed a job application. And coupled with this stack of paper were two simple questions.
1. How many hours a week are you going to work for us?
2. How soon can you get this back so that we can get you started?

It took me almost a full two hours later to process the roller coaster of the day before and this moment. Fired and then re-hired that quickly.So I essentially had one door slammed in my face, to be met with another door wide open and waiting. All of these life changes were possible because I never left the presence of the Lord. The peace that I felt during the most trying hours of Monday into the more triumphant hours of Tuesday was not my doing. For me, the type-A individual who likes to plan out breakfast to what pajamas I'm going to wear to bed, could never stay that calm. But in his presence, I was at rest. And what blessings awaited me! I say all of this to say that it's very easy to praise and adore the Lord when it's easy. It's easy to do when you're on top of the world. But what about when it doesn't seem so great? Will you stand firm?

Exodus 33: 14- And He said, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest."
Proverbs 3:5-7- Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all you ways acknowledge Him, and he shall direct your paths.



Stay encouraged,
Brieana. 

       Think about something you REALLY want. Something that you normally see on a window shopping excursion( I know I'm not alone). It could be the newest Vera Wang,or even the latest pair of Jordans (A blessed afternoon to my male readers! *says a quick prayer for increase*) For me it's this trench jacket from Kierra Sheard's new line eleven60. 

    


 



I was talking to one of my best friends the other day. I'm so proud of her. She just graduated from a Medical assistant program. She moved out of her family's house into her own apartment. She has a full time, good paying job. Still, despite all of those accomplishments and blessings,my best friend was sitting before me talking about going to the military

*deep breath* 

Have you ever...wanted to try something new? And before you even take that first step you imagine all of the worst case scenarios within that something new that can and will go wrong? 

What will they think?
What do I write?
What if I get writer's block?
What if?..What if...What if...

*cue inspirational music* Here I go..

In a couple of sentences...I am what you would call a former ratchet, hailing from Paterson, New Jersey who takes a special interest in learning, leading, and shopping. My thighs take up half my body.I have 2 degrees and am currently working on my License in Social Work. I love the Lord. Sarcasm is my 2nd tongue. With all of that said, what do I do with that package of fantastic?! Answer: SOMETHING. 

I made a vision board at the end of 2014. On that board I had all of these fantastic pictures of apartments, degrees from various universities, and California (I'm a Valley girl at heart). Missing from that board? Starting a blog! It wasn't apart of the plan. But that's what's so wonderful about life. Sometimes your plans are not God's plans. So here I am, at the end of the year, humbly writing to the masses, praying that you find my package of fantastic as great as I think it is. 

My prayer for this blog is to keep and increase the faith. In myself. In my choices. In sisterhood. In women. In my style. And in you. By no means am I a fashionista. Or the next prophetess come down to teach my sisters in Christ how to slay and pray. What I am is someone who is stepping out. With the confidence of 1,000 moons to present the package that is me. Withholding nothing. Except those "what if's".


Faithfully,
Brieana