You may remember my last post about baby-ready hairstyling and hiding my bangs while growing them out. Now that Number 6 is here and time for self-care and primping is nil, I’m hoping to keep my styling simple…and yet, not completely give in to sweats and ponytail…everyday. It’s honestly not about looking put together, but about reflecting what I believe about my life’s work and purpose through the way I present myself…even to my kids and my husband.

While I really do sport a ponytail most days, a french twist, a simple braid, or a loose and elegant bun like this one can be the difference between default and intention:

Here are some other favorite simple updos for warm summer evenings…

Source and tutorial here.

via Pinterest.

What are your favorite updo styles?

And why concern myself with hairstyling when there are so many diapers to change and so little time? Perhaps, after 11 years of motherhood, I now know that a little effort to dress for my job, to care for myself, to express beauty within and without through color and design, all serve to remind me of what I know to be true of my daily work: That motherhood is an art. It is a valuable endeavor. It is transforming, both inside and out. It is worth waking up and presenting my best for.

Some days my best is yoga pants and a greasy ponytail. But, my desire is to show up to my day like I’m all here, like I’m grateful for my life, and like I have a Master to please.

Because I do.

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Blogher has more fun hairstyling inspiration videos for you and a sweepstakes your are invited to enter! Official sweeps rules here.

I’m 3.5 weeks away from Baby #6, which will also put me at the start of really warm months here in the Southwest. I don’t know about you, but I simply can’t stand to blow dry and style my hair and bangs in the summer months. I live in pony-tails, braids, and love having my hair pulled back from my face…especially when shower time is at a premium and I’m getting up several times a night with a newborn!

With Number 5, this is how my hair looked:

I look pretty tired, no? But, the hair…it was pretty easy to care for. This time, I’m in that awkward stage of growing out my bangs:

…that stage where you really want to just give in and cut them again!

But I intend to persevere…with the help of bobby pins, hats, and this little trick:

Isn’t that cute? Now, to find a braided headband that looks natural…

Thanks for all your sweet comments on Facebook and Instagram when I post silly pics of myself…you guys are so generous and encouraging.

Blessings, friends!

Blogher has more fun hairstyling inspiration videos for you and a sweepstakes your are invited to enter! Official sweeps rules here.

I’m excited to share with you a new fashion find. Have you heard of Mikarose?

In a day when modest clothing is hardly seen as fashionable, it is rare to come across a company that strives to do just that!

I was recently sent a Rebecca dress from Mikarose to review. (Yay for fun perks in blogging!)

The fabric is soft and supple, lightweight but nice in quality. When I put the dress on, I immediately noticed that the wrap/crossover bodice really fit MODESTLY! Whenever I wear a wrap dress, I inevitably must wear a camisole underneath because the neckline is usually cut much too low. However, with the Mikarose wrap dress, the bodice is strategically crossed over in a way that raises the neckline without sacrificing style. Other favorite features:

• The gathered waist hides all sort of baby-bearing troubles.
• The ruffled shoulder details add just enough drama to make the dress special but not fussy.
• The hemline is just below the knee and does not cling, but flows flatteringly!

I’m looking forward to wearing my dress on a night on the town with The Preacher!

So, here’s the best part…Mikarose is generously offering one of my GraceLaced readers $50 towards any purchase (which goes a long way with their reasonable prices!)

Have fun!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
*Giveaway open to U.S. and Canada residents only. **I was provided with a product in order to write this review – all opinions are my own.

In this world we live in, you get noticed when you are:

• dressed the best
• flaunting
• rebelling
• getting in the last word
• being an individual
• obeying your feelings
• trusting in no one but yourself
• speaking your mind

“Your adornment must not be merely external–braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God.” (1 Peter 3:3-4)

In His Kingdom, you are precious in the SIGHT of God when you are:

• dressed in humility
• boasting only in the cross
• submitting
• taming your tongue
• conforming to Christ
• obeying Christ
• trusting in the Lordship of Christ
• speaking only that which is edifying

A familiar verse…read this morning, with a renewed sense of appreciation for the faithfulness of the Word. Having a gentle, quiet spirit is a function of attitude and the tongue…beauty is not simply what we put on, but what we put off, in word and deed.

May we be lovely in the sight of Christ, inside and out. Take heart and rejoice if you are investing in that beauty which is imperishable today!

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So, onto a lighter subject: How to get beautiful curls in the morning after sleeping with your hair in a sock. Yes, I know you’ve been dying to know.

I discovered this little video tutorial through Pinterest:

Sock Bun Curls No Heat

I’m too lazy to take pics of each step when you can watch the video, but here’s the basic idea:

…roll you ponytail up in the donut…get some rest…and wake up with this:

No heat. No pain. No cost. Lots of curls.

Later in the day, I got snazzied up in my Chinese Mandarin dress to be a guest speaker on China for all the little Kindergarteners at our school.

No, I’m not demonstrating Jazz Hands…that’s me teaching them how to count to 10 in Mandarin.

Curls lasted all day! Try it out, and let me know if they work for you!!

I’m barely fitting into any of my pre-baby clothes. All of you mommies out there can sympathize, I’m sure. Spending money on clothes (that I will hopefully not fit into someday) is not tops on my priority list, but wearing sweats all the time is not an option either.  So…I am tickled pink, or should I say peach, when I find new clothes on super sale.

This is what I’m wearing today. It’s from The Gap. It’s apricot. It takes me back to the 80′s, minus the super-model part. It cost me $15, total.

That’s the way I do trends. My Pinterest board gives you a few more ideas:

Enjoy the peachiness for the rest of your summer….and (shhhh…) look for it on the clearance racks!

For the stylish photographer, if you don’t mind carrying yet another bag for a camera (or the hefty pricetag), here are some of the industry’s most fashionable options:

Jill-e Bags

Kelly Moore Bags

The Shootsac

Here are some less fashionable, but very functional options:

Lowepro SlingShot 202 AW

(The SlingShot is the one we currently own. It’s great for hiking, travel, and the Man Of The House.)

Caselogic SLRC-202 Medium SLR Camera Bag (Black)

Inserts for a purse or any other handbag is a good option. Several offerings can be found on etsy:

by Martilena

by SeasonsTotes

or on Amazon:

DSLR Camera Insert by Camaroo

Dslr Camera Paddy by BBP Bags

If you are are a super-seamstress, you can check out this great tutorial for making a camera insert yourself, here:

Photo credit by Lilblueboo.

And, lastly, neoprene sleeves are an option for when you might want protection for your camera when taking it on the go with you…say, in a diaper bag!

USA Gear DuraNeoprene dSLR Grey FlexArmor for Nikon, Canon EOS, Pentax and Sony Alpha Digital SLR Cameras

GSI Amazing Quality Ultra-Secure Standard Lens Case

I decided to go with these last two neoprene items, which are on my way to my house.

…to be used in my old diaper bag:

or to be used with this bag:

…so that I can spend more time focusing on taking pics of this special man in my life:

I hope this post was helpful if you are currently looking for options for keeping on the go with your camera!

I came home with this lovely arrangement from a baby shower thrown in my honor this past weekend. How inspiring are these colors together? So much so that I’m dreaming up a breezy ensemble for this summer…when I just might have a waist again.

Tangerine and Lilac by GraceLaced

Be inspired by what surrounds you today!

Cinco doesn’t really care if his mama’s sweet or street chic. At almost 33 weeks, he’s still just along for the ride.

Were I and the Preacher going out to dinner, this would be an ideal ensemble:

And, for any of you ladies who may be spending the evening having dinner with your best friends, perhaps this outfit can ward off any unwanted attention:

Glamour Kills Keep Calm And Dream On Red Tee : PDP, $23
Blue Destroyed Wash Straight Leg Jeans, $285
JANIE Red Suede Point Court Shoes, $110
Tasha Snake Embossed Metal Box Clutch, $88
Blazer boyfriend, C&A

Whatever your plans and whatever you wear this weekend, be mindful of the fleeting allure of what the world tells us is love, and treasure what loving relationships in your life truly lead you further to the Him who IS LOVE. Be blessed!