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Join NewBreed at Exponential Orlando

Exponential Orlando is the largest annual gathering of church planters in the world, and NewBreed is excited to be leading a pre-conference session, workshop track, as well as sponsoring. With such extensive involvement, we are looking forward to changing the conversation around church planting. Rather than merely starting worship services, we need to plant first-century style churches by engaging the lost with the gospel, making disciples, and reaping a church plant as a harvest.

If you are attending the conference, we would love for you to join us at one of our sessions, or stop by our booth in the main worship center. Below is what our team is leading during the conference:

How to Plant a Church for the Next Generation Pre-Conference Session

The American Church is about to fall off a Generational Cliff. By 2033, 15 Million Baby Boomers will age out of church participation. The Church will decline more rapidly than ever before as our most loyal, generous, and active generation fades into history, and with their absence it’s likely that 1 in 8 of today’s churches will shut their door. Generational and technological change are upending the church. But the Church doesn’t have to fall victim to generational upheaval. All it takes is new churches being planted that resonate with the Next Generation. Armed with ground-breaking research on generational trends at the intersection of technology, leadership, and faith NewBreed Training will share insight into how Gen Z and Digital Technology are reshaping faith in America and how you can use those insights to plant churches to reach the Next Generation.

Day/Time: 1-5pm on Monday & 8-11:30am on Tuesday

Speakers: Peyton Jones, Andrea Jones, Chestly Lunday, Ralph Moore

Location: Faith Hall 301H

Workshop Session 1: How to Plant Decentralized Churches

TV killed the Radio star… and the Internet killed the TV star. Why? Decentralization. Decentralization is affecting every organization that has people with a screen in their hands. If you want to be relevant as an organization in the future you can’t think about planting churches from a Centralized paradigm any more… Church planting, like everything else, must become Mobilized. In this session, we will show you how to plant Decentralized churches that will withstand the cultural shifts and mobilize your community.

Day/Time: 2:30-3:30 on Tuesday

Speakers: Peyton Jones & Chestly Lunday

Location: Faith Hall 301H

Workshop Session 2: How to Fully Fund Your Church Plant

“Money, Money, Money…Money!” That’s the theme song of so many church planters in the early days. Unfortunately, seminaries may teach you how to sing the song, but they don’t tell you how to raise it. In an hour, our team will give you the playbook to raise the money you need to fully fund your church plant… so you can pay back the seminary for that useless Music in Ministry Class they made you take.

Day/Time: 8:45-9:45 on Wednesday

Speakers: Joshua Brown, Jon Crawford, Chestly Lunday

Location: Faith Hall 301H

Workshop Session 3: How To Build Unstoppable Church Planting Teams

When we think of great teams, we think of the original Dream Team, The Avengers, or The A-Team. But you can create a fantastic team… with people God has already gifted you. All you need is a map to help organize your team into the roles that matter for the mission. In this session, you will learn how to create a church planting team to accomplish the mission.

Day/Time: 2:30-3:30 on Wednesday

Speakers: Peyton Jones, Andrea Jones, Deb Walkemeyer

Location: Faith Hall 301H

Workshop Session 4: How To Develop Future Church Planters

The best GMs in sports don’t buy their way to championships, they develop Champions. If you want to become a Level 5 Multiplying church, the same must be true of you. Most churches don’t multiply out of a lack of vision, but out of a lack of leadership. This session will give the road map to Level 5 multiplication by developing future church planters.

Day/Time: 8:45-9:45 on Thursday

Speakers: Ralph Moore

Location: Faith Hall 301H

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Keeping the Main Thing the Main Thing

Do you find yourself judging other ministries? I do.

The confusion seems to arise from the tension between form and function. Some leaders seem to “worship” their church programs which unjustly offends me.

It’s Jesus’ church and scripture warns us against our personal judgement of others. However, that judgement can be useful if we’re wise enough to turn it back onto ourselves. I find that I sometimes confuse disciplemaking processes with the master disciplemaker.

This has bothered me for several days. I just finished writing a book on heart attitudes in church planting. In the process I realized that my disciplemaking forms have occasionally crowded the Holy Spirit out of the process. A case of elevating form over function.

This morning my friend, Larry Walkemeyer pointed out five things necessary for fruitful ministry. They come from Jesus’ words in John 14, “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.”

Larry is a preacher so each of these begins with the letter, A…

Attention to faith—Jesus calls us to believe in him.
Action of prayer, something I can overlook whenever I take control of the situation. I can replace prayer with apologetics.
Aim of glorifying God. This is where I most often slide off the rails. I can glory in disciplemaking until it grows into a stale program. Worse they can become my disciple more than a disciple of our Master.
Alignment of obedience which I pretty well get or I wouldn’t be making disciples in the first place.
Finally, Larry pointed out that Jesus introduces us to the Agency of the Holy Spirit. It is always in those Spirit induced moments that the ministry bears actual fruit in the person I’m discipling.

Jesus’ promise of greater things reminds me of an admonition from Isaiah 48, “Even from the beginning I have declared it to you; Before it came to pass I proclaimed it to you, Lest you should say, ‘My idol has done them, And my carved image and my molded image Have commanded them.’” If I make disciplemaking into an idol I’ve missed the point of my life.

Ralph Moore is the Founding Pastor of three churches which grew into the Hope Chapel ‘movement’ now numbering more than 2,300 churches, worldwide. These are the offspring of the 70+ congregations launched from Ralph’s hands-on disciplemaking efforts.

He travels the globe, teaching church multiplication to pastors in startup movements. He’s authored several books, including Let Go Of the Ring: The Hope Chapel Story, Making Disciples, How to Multiply Your Church, Starting a New Church, and Defeating Anxiety.

The post Keeping the Main Thing the Main Thing appeared first on Newbreed Training.

The Automated Church

From Ray Bradbury to Church Decline: A Journey of Discovery

A Daughter’s Assignment Sparks Reflection on Revitalization

It all began with my daughter’s high school English assignment. She came to us one day, her heart heavy with homework and her mind buzzing with questions about Ray Bradbury’s “There Will Come Soft Rains.” As she explained her assignment, I could see the gears turning in her head, trying to decipher the layers of meaning in Bradbury’s haunting tale of an automated house continuing its routines long after its human inhabitants had vanished.

As we discussed the story’s themes – the dangers of unchecked technological advancement, the potential for human obsolescence, and the indifference of nature to our fate – something unexpected happened. Our conversation took an intriguing turn, leading us down a path neither of us had anticipated.

“Dad,” she said, I don’t get it? Looking up from her laptop with a thoughtful expression, I said to myself, “doesn’t this remind you of what’s happening with churches nowadays? You know, how they keep going through the motions even when fewer people are attending?”

Her insightful comment stopped me in my tracks. “I don’t get it” In that moment, I realized she had unknowingly drawn a parallel that would lead us to explore a fascinating intersection of literature, technology, and faith.

The Automated Church: Merging Bradbury’s Warning with Modern Religious Decline

Ray Bradbury’s “There Will Come Soft Rains” and contemporary observations on technological advancement, such as those by Max Tegmark, provide a compelling metaphor for the current state of many churches and religious institutions. Just as Bradbury’s automated house continues to function in the absence of human life, many churches are struggling to maintain relevance and vitality in an increasingly secular and technologically driven world.

The Automated Church

Empty Pews, Active Programs: Like Bradbury’s house that continues its routines without inhabitants, many churches maintain programs and services even as attendance dwindles.
Technological Adaptation: Churches increasingly rely on technology (online services, apps, social media) to reach congregants, mirroring the automated systems in Bradbury’s story.
Loss of Human Touch: The risk of over-reliance on technology in churches parallels the eerie absence of human warmth in Bradbury’s automated home.

The Merging of Faith and Technology

Tegmark’s quote: “We’re rapidly approaching the moment when humans and machines merge” (Tegmark, 2020) can be applied to religious contexts:

Virtual Congregations: Online church services and communities are becoming more common, blurring the line between physical and digital faith experiences.
AI in Ministry: Some churches are experimenting with AI chatbots for pastoral care or scriptural interpretation, raising questions about the role of human spiritual leaders.
Data-Driven Ministry: Churches using analytics and algorithms to tailor messages and programs, potentially at the cost of spontaneity and personal connection.

Revitalization or Extinction?

The parallel between Bradbury’s story and church decline raises critical questions:

Adaptation vs. Essence: How can churches adapt to technological changes without losing their essential human and spiritual elements?
Relevance in a Tech-Driven World: Can churches find ways to remain relevant and vital in a world increasingly dominated by technology and secular values?
Balancing Tradition and Innovation: How can religious institutions balance their traditional practices with the need for technological innovation?

The decline of churches in many parts of the world mirrors the absence of humans in Bradbury’s automated house. However, unlike the house, churches have the potential for revitalization. The key lies in finding a balance between embracing beneficial technological advancements and maintaining the core human and spiritual elements that give religious communities their meaning and purpose.

As Tegmark suggests, we must put our “money and our minds to enabling freedom of thought and freedom of action” (Tegmark, 2020). For churches, this might mean using technology as a tool for connection and outreach while ensuring that the heart of their mission remains deeply human and spiritually focused.

What began as my daughter’s literature assignment had led us to a profound contemplation of the challenges facing modern religious institutions. It serves as a reminder that great literature has the power to illuminate not just the past or the future, but also our present circumstances in unexpected ways.

This article originally appeared on The Church Vitality Network. Used with permission.

Dr. Gary Moritz is the lead pastor of City United Church in Lunenburg, MA. City United Church has been featured in Outreach Magazine as one of the 100 Top Reproducing Churches in America, was awarded the Tyndale Publishers Church Comeback Award through Church Answers and has been featured in podcasts to tell the God-story of renewal and revitalization. City United and its team continue to foster leaders and churches to health and vitality by providing resources, development, and counseling to advance the movement of the Gospel in New England and around the United States. The Lord called their family to New England in 2013 to take over a church in bankruptcy and in need of church revitalization through a pastoral succession. The call to step into a hard place and do the hard things so that God gets the glory is evident, as is His ability to multiply supportive movements throughout New England. City United also partners with other like-minded, missional organizations that are planting sustainable churches and making disciples with multiplication results all over the world.

Gary is gifted in creativity, futuristic thinking, systems, strategic renewal, conflict resolution, and leadership by galvanizing teams that establish a vision for the future. He loves to spend time with his family and enjoys downtime playing saxophone, drums, and vibraphone.

Gary works for Liberty University as a Subject Matter Expert in Church Revitalization and as an assistant professor in the online School of Divinity. He serves alongside Leadership Network and Exponential as part of their creative think tanks and Venture Partner’s family. He also serves as the part-time Director of Church Revitalization for the Baptist Churches of New England, whose focus is to provide an established network of support for pastors and churches in New England so they can thrive.

Gary established the Church Vitality Network, an online network for churches to find health in pastoring, revitalization, and renewal through a digital hub.

Gary is married to Jana Moritz, and they are a ministry team, involved in serving the local church side-by-side. They have been part of many book projects during the creative process for other leading authors. However, they recently launched their own book project, Carry On: Tactical Strategies for Church Revitalization and Renewal. They have two incredible daughters leading and serving Generation Z, Generation Alpha, and the local church.

The post The Automated Church appeared first on Newbreed Training.

Best of Walmart Home

There were some amazing shopping finds in 2024 but some of my very favorites were some of my Walmart Home finds. For the price point and quality, some of these stylish home pieces really just can’t be beat. Since I am still loving these finds in my home a year later, I wanted to share since they are still in stock to purchase!

sweater / swivel chair / cozy blanket

These white boucle accent swivel chairs are at the top of the list for my must-haves and have been a bestseller this past year – for good reason! They are SO spacious and comfy to lounge in. They are an amazing look for less of a Pottery Barn chair I was eyeing for years that was over $1,300! We have 2 in our primary bedroom and hang out on them all the time. They have held up so well for the past year and I recommend them to everyone I know! We styled them with this storage ottoman which matches perfectly and is so nice to store blankets, etc inside. It also now comes in green, charcoal (on sale under $200!) and a fawn beige color. If you are looking for an accent chair for anywhere in your house – you really can’t beat this white swivel chair, its under $300!!

entry table / lamp / white bowl / black vase / wall art / rug

I was craving an entryway refresh last year and this oak sideboard console table was the perfect solution. I love how bright the wood color on it is – it really lightened up the space and I love that there’s plenty of storage inside of it. We love and use it in our entry way, but it would be a great media table in a living room or side table in a bedroom as well. And its on sale right now for under $450! It comes in a dark walnut and black color too.

white planter / pink fleece jacket / gray sweats

I can’t believe I am saying this but even during the freezing winter right now, the new year makes me already feel spring approaching! Now is the time to start thinking about styling your patio and front porch. There’s nothing better than a bright and colorful outdoor refresh after a freezing cold and dark winter! I found these white planters last year and they quickly sold out. They are such a nice, large size and under $30!! I styled them with little trees and this year might plant some bright flowers in some. They are such a good find and will probably sell out quickly again this year!

sweater / swivel chair / cozy blanket

This brown fuzzy blanket was also a bestseller last year – I love it so much I have it in multiple colors! The brown and white are both great neutrals. Its so soft and cozy and rivals more expensive blankets I’ve seen – and its under $30! This makes a great gift too.

Which is your favorite home find from 2024? Don’t sleep on Walmart home!! They have a bunch of different home lines with amazing pieces. I just ordered some new Walmart home pieces that I am excited to style and can’t wait to share!

The post Best of Walmart Home appeared first on Hello Fashion.

How to Plant a Church for the Next Generation

The Exponential Global Conference is officially SOLD OUT! If you have tickets, we’re so excited to gather with you and see how God moves in incredible ways. This year’s theme, Good, Great, Greater, reminds us of Jesus’ call to experience “greater things” and live out a flourishing life. Don’t miss out on the pre-conference options, including the one NewBreed will be leading! Here is everything you need to know about it:

How to Plant a Church for the Next Generation

The American Church is about to fall off a Generational Cliff. By 2033, 15 Million Baby Boomers will age out of church participation. The Church will decline more rapidly than ever before as our most loyal, generous, and active generation fades into history, and with their absence it’s likely that 1 in 8 of today’s churches will shut their door. Generational and technological change are upending the church. But the Church doesn’t have to fall victim to generational upheaval. All it takes is new churches being planted that resonate with the Next Generation. Armed with ground-breaking research on generational trends at the intersection of technology, leadership, and faith NewBreed Training will share insight into how Gen Z and Digital Technology are reshaping faith in America and how you can use those insights to plant churches to reach the Next Generation.

Speakers: Peyton Jones, Chestly Lunday, Andrea Jones, Ralph Moore

We hope you’ll join us for this session!

The post How to Plant a Church for the Next Generation appeared first on Newbreed Training.

WHAT’S MISSING IN THE CALLING CONVERSATION?

Calling can certainly be a loaded word. Perhaps others have used the term calling well, to explain what compels them. Or, it’s been used poorly, selfishly, as an excuse not to show up for others, or even as a form of manipulation to get those who feel called to work more for less (less pay, less recognition, less health, less help, etc.).

If you’ve had the idea of calling used in your life in a way that has caused trauma, guilt, shame, or feeling left out, I want to pause and say to you: I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry this concept has been used inappropriately against you. That’s not okay. A healthy calling should bring healing, not harm. If you’re willing, just for right now, try to separate the word calling from the person or persons who used it wrongly.

Let’s peel back some of these layers.

While the topic of calling is not new—and amazing scholars and writers have provided key insights into calling—one thing still seems to be missing from the conversation: Calling is inherently about communication. Calling is not a static thing. It is not something that happens once, in a contained way.

Calling is about communication between the called, the Caller, and community. I’m not saying this just because communication is my area of study. To have a calling necessarily implies that someone or something is calling us. As Christians, we know the Caller is God. We also know that our great call, coming from the greatest command, is to love God and to love others (Matthew 22:37-40). As followers of Christ, our primary calling to love God is reflected in how we love others. In this way, calling is not just about the Caller and the called, it is also about the community we impact, and by whom we are impacted.

Calling is a dynamic relationship between the Caller, the called, and the community. And like any relationship, our calling is ever-developing. Until we recognize calling is about relationship, about actual interaction, we miss the entire point of the calling experience.

Like any relationship, which involves ongoing communication, understanding calling as a communicative process is key. At its very core, work calling indicates an ongoing visceral interaction between a Caller and the one being called.

New York Times best-selling author, pastor, teacher, writer, and podcast host John Mark Comer reminds us that to be human means we change, grow, and develop. And this, he says, “is by God’s design.”9 If part of the human experience is continual growth, straddling an invisible line between being (who we are now) and becoming (who we will be), then our relationship with the Caller is also meant to be dynamic. This means that what you’re going through right now has the potential to inform your calling.

So much unseen work goes into the formation and development of a calling, like the underwater part of an iceberg. I remember going on an Alaskan cruise and witnessing the almost unearthly beauty of icebergs. In the frosty, early mornings they seemed to have a faint glow in the water. It was literally breathtaking. What’s shocking is we see only the tip. What we don’t see, what’s below, is the majority.

The formation and development of calling is like an iceberg. A considerable amount of the process is below the surface. This matters because the work we do, the work that feels like a calling, may not always be seen by others. It may not always be measurable. The emotional and spiritual labor that we experience may not be fully valued or understood. Others may ask more of us (or we may demand more of ourselves), not realizing just how much we are already giving.

If a missing emphasis on the topic of calling is the relational core, another gap is the privileging of a moment over a journey. While some of us know very early on what our calling is, some don’t. And that’s completely normal. In fact, it’s very common. That’s why thinking about work calling as a journey, rather than merely a fixed moment in time, is more accurate.

There’s this mythic idea of calling, that it will fall upon you in bright golden rays from heaven, with a loud voice calling out your name. We certainly might have crystal clear epiphany moments, but they aren’t isolated. They are connected to a larger story, to other pieces of the puzzle. We need to pay attention to the little things.

Stephen, a financial advisor, described his process of identifying his work calling as both a journey and an epiphany. Originally going to school to become a licensed minister, on his days off he’d constantly gravitate toward reading financial books. At one point in the interview, he said, “And then it dawned on me, they [the books he was reading] were all on the stock market and, I heard God say, not in an audible voice, but in my spirit, ‘Why are you denying who you are?’”

We need to pay attention to what we are drawn toward and look for ways this might be integrated into our calling. It’s good to listen and look for those moments of feeling called. The trick is that in the actual moment, we don’t often see the larger implications. It isn’t until we look back, until we see our story unfolded, that the patterns emerge.

Placing a value on the communication within a calling means the outcome isn’t the only concern. There’s great value in the process, formation, development, and relationship of calling, in how we seek to live out our calling in the everyday. In fact, the apostle Paul gives this charge: “Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that” (Galatians 6:4 MSG). When we recognize that calling is not a one-time thing but rather an ongoing process, it means that what we’re doing now has the potential to be part of that process. Even if we’re in a place of burnout right now, this can help inform our calling if we let it.

Arianna Molloy (PhD, University of Denver) is associate professor of organizational communication at Biola University. Her research focuses on meaningful work, work as a calling, and the connection between humility and burnout in the workplace. She is an award-winning scholar and educator who has published in the International Journal of Business Communication, Communication Studies, and Christianity Today. Arianna is also a consultant for organizations, business professionals, and ministries. Arianna and her husband, Allen, have one son and enjoy running half marathons, traveling the world, and drinking good coffee.

The post WHAT’S MISSING IN THE CALLING CONVERSATION? appeared first on Newbreed Training.

2024 Holiday Gift Guides

holiday gift guides, christine andrew gift guides, christmas gift guides, teen girl gifts, tween boy gifts, gifts for her — I am SO excited to share my 2024 Holiday Gift guides with you all! These were all carefully and thoughtfully created and I hope you find them helpful! For each age group, I sat down with my kids and really made sure each item on each gift guide was an item they are loving and is on their lists! This year, we have: Teen Girl, Teen Boy, Tween Boy, Little Kid, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, My Wishlist, Gift Exchange under $30, Favorite Beauty Gifts, Teen Girl Beauty Gifts and Favorite Hair Gifts!

TEEN GIRL GIFTS: saie makeup bag // hair waver // doc marten loafers // sweatpants // radiance booster // digital camera // adidas // charm bracelet // necklace

MY WISHLIST: beautiful coat // salomon sneakers // cozy brown chair // favorite perfume gift set // brown beis suitcase // soft half zip // brown puffer coat // thickening mousse // weighted vest

TWEEN BOY GIFTS: ski hill lego // apple watch // playstation remote // fortnite v-bucks // backlit basketball hoop // vending machine toy // remote control airplane // pizza pillow // nikes

GIFTS FOR HER: gucci heels // alo sherpa jacket // summer fridays lip balm // skinceuticals p-tiox // dyson airstrait // favorite sweatpants // softest robe // oncloud sneakers // suede bucket bag

FOR THE GIFT EXCHANGE: blue light glasses // alo socks // silk hair ties // black purse // lip balm // silk pillowcase // lounge pants // biolage smoothing mist // brown tote bag

GIFTS FOR HIM: cologne sampler (with voucher for full size!) // pickleballs // yankees hat // nikes // our fav hoodies // foam roller // sauna blanket // ugg slippers // Cody’s staple tees

FOR LITTLE KIDS: new nike sneakers // cookees makery // mclaren power wheels // rocket launcher // hot wheels power track // glow in the dark hot wheels // marble run // lego table // hot wheels tent

FOR THE TEEN BOY: new playstation 5 // polo cologne // home alone lego // adidas samba // north face puffer coat // ski goggles // iphone wallet case // beats wireless speaker // glow in the dark football

TEEN GIRL BEAUTY GIFTS: radiance booster // rare beauty liquid blush // saie makeup brush // summer fridays lip balm // dyson airstrait // charlotte tilbury bronzer // Mara’s fav perfume // sol de janeiro gift set // tarte lip plumper

FOR THE BEAUTY LOVER: my new fav perfume // clarins cyro-flash cream mask // paula’s choice exfoliater // rare beauty blush // tatcha dewy skin cream // summer fridays lip balm // makeup by mario foundation // dae styling cream // dyson airstrait

FAVORITE HAIR GIFTS: my fav curling iron // kerastase shampoo // dae styling cream // silk pillowcase // dyson airstrait // silk hair ties // living proof instant de-frizzer // JVN // oribe texturizing spray

The post 2024 Holiday Gift Guides appeared first on Hello Fashion.

12 Activities To Add to Your Winter Bucket List

One of my favorite posts from the good old blog days were the monthly list of family winter bucket list activity ideas so I’ve been so excited to resurrect it! Started with some ideas to add to your family winter bucket list – some of the would be great with kids, others could work as date night activities too. Comment any other of your favorite winter bucket list activities or traditions below so we can keep it rolling. 🙂

Snow sports! Whether you’re a seasoned skier or snowboarder or it’s the bunny slopes for you, pencil in a day at the ski resorts! No matter your skill level, anyone could enjoy a little apres ski anyway.
Find and participate in a Sub for Santa or charity in some way. This is one of our favorite family traditions, especially being able to involve the kids in it. You never know how someone might be struggling during the holidays and there are so many cool charities and foundations already set up to find a way to help. Pick one and see how it completely changes your mood!
Get crafty! This one is great for all ages – there are endless craft ideas to make this winter a little cozier. I loved this idea on Tiktok of painting your own gingerbread house door mat – genius! Would be so cute as a girl’s night activity too. And there are so many gorgeous craft ideas for holiday decor, from Christmas ornaments to garland. With younger kids it will still have that cute, personal keepsake feel to it but you’d be surprised as kids get older how artistic they become – sometimes crafts turn out like something you would pay big bucks for in-store!
Hot chocolate bar. This one is great with the kids – they will love getting creative with toppings and will probably enjoy the opportunity to go all out haha. Pair it with a cozy wintry move and bundle up in some warm blankets for a fun family memory.
Become a hockey fan. Okay granted there are plenty of sports you can enjoy during the winter, but Salt Lake just got an NHL team so seems like no better time than the present to start to pay attention to the sport haha. I have a feeling the boys would become addicted fast.
Have a family bake-off. On those days where nobody feels like leaving the house, get creative with a bake-off! It will be a great way to get creative in the kitchen and hopefully the outcome will be pretty tasty too 🙂
Host a ‘favorite things’ party instead of your typical white elephant or Secret Santa gift exchange. Everyone brings x number of their favorite things (usually within a lower budget since they’ll bring one for every guest in attendance) – have fun getting to know each other on a whole new level and go home with some tried and true favorites.
Gratitude journals. This is another tradition we’ve tried to keep up as a family. Especially around Thanksgiving, it’s a great reminder to document the many, many things we have to be thankful for. And it’s crazy, you never seem to run out of things to add to the list once you put yourself in that mindset.
Book a photographer. Whether you are in the habit of sending out Christmas or holiday cards every year or not, let this be your reminder to book some pictures! Typically the lighting is a little more forgiving in the winter since it tends to be more overcast, so bundle up in some cute, coordinated layers and get candid for some updated photos! Some of my favorites are from our photoshoots in the snow. If that’s not in the budget, set up your own festive backdrop for some equally memorable family photos. 🙂
Take advantage of the seasonal events. This time of year, there are usually sooo many for all ages – Disney on Ice, community plays or musicals, talented musicians touring. Even if it’s outside your normal comfort zone, it’s something you may never do again and that’s just one cool experience you would never have had otherwise.
Have a gingerbread decorating competition. I swear half the candy gets eaten before it makes it onto the house (and then the other half of the candy after the house gets done haha) but it’s such a fun tradition, with friends or family alike.
Hit a winter market. So many creators and entrepreneurs work all year long in preparation of winter markets and selling their wares for Christmas presents. And you can find so many personal, breathtaking pieces that you would never find in store. Make a point to check out a winter market near you and support local artists – and also feel like you’re starring in a Hallmark Christmas movie haha.

The post 12 Activities To Add to Your Winter Bucket List appeared first on Hello Fashion.

Fall Wedding Guest Dresses

I always love a chance to dress up for events – especially shopping for fall wedding guest dresses! Here are a few of my favorites recently…

BURGUNDY DRESS
LIPSTICK (SHADE: PLUMALICIOUS)
LIP LINER (SHADE: PLUM & GET IT)
TWO TONE STUDS

I’ve worn this dress multiple times since I got it last fall – it’s so versatile and the prettiest shade of burgundy for fall. Would make a great option for just about any type of fall wedding guest dress. Get a better look at the dress in this try-on video I did or you can shop the full look and similar options here.

BROWN METALLIC GOWN
BLACK STRAPPY SANDAL
EARRINGS
BAG

The fail-safe pick for any fall weddings this season – brown. There are so many stunning options (linking a few of my favorites below), but I chose this metallic number for LTKCon this year. It made such a statement on it’s own, that I kept all other accessories simple. You can shop more of my favorite brown fall wedding guest dresses here.

Also love this one and this one (both under $100) and the silhouette of this one would definitely land you on the best-dressed guest list.

FLORAL STRAPLESS GOWN
BOW HEEL

This dress is the perfect blend of romance and sophistication. I love the moody floral print and full skirt, but the slit keeps it feeling youthful and flirty. I added this statement heel and a bold earring to dress it up but you can also opt for a solid stiletto and hoops for a more minimalist take on such a statement dress.

GREEN HALTER GOWN (MORE SIZES HERE)
NUDE SANDALS
SEQUIN CLUTCH

Also love this shade of green – the color is super versatile so it works for fall, spring, or summer weddings. Under $100 too, so great budget option!

You can find more posts about what to wear to fall weddings here and holiday dressing inspo here.

Linking more fall wedding guest dresses below!

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XX, Christine

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My Go-To Fall Drugstore Lip Combo

I get a lot of requests for affordable beauty products and this plum lip combo is one I’ve been wearing on repeat this fall.

I start by lining my lips with this E.L.F. lip pencil – I over line the top a little before filling in with the lipstick. I have this lip pencil in the shade: plum & get it

Next I fill in with this Revlon lipstick in the shade 777 Vampire love

Finally I top it off with this lipgloss in the shade jam session. They call it an oil but it isn’t sticky at all like an oil, its more glossy and hydrating. I have this in multiple colors and love it! I love and wear the shade honey talks – its not as brown as it looks online, its more of an everyday soft nude color. I also wear this lip oil by itself and its so pretty. I can’t believe its under $10!

all products: lip pencil, lipstick, lipgloss

xx, Christine

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