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Shabby Apple {Perspective}

January 18, 2016 By Ruthie Ridley 46 Comments

This past weekend, Ben and I got away for some much needed time alone in the city! I love going away with my husband.  I think as a couple with or without kids, that it is important to get away and re-connect outside of the hustle and bustle of life.  I personally could do with a monthly get away! Anyone with me?! It was a little harder this time because I worked quite a bit following up to our time away and my middle daughter, Savannah was sobbing when it was time to say goodbye. ( Never fun!!) A quick face time + pep talk when we arrived and she was fine for the entire weekend. In fact,  she didn’t want to leave her grandad’s house at all! Anyway, Ben planned out our weekend so perfectly.  He booked a lush hotel right in the heart of the city.  He had reservations made for dinner Friday night at a restaurant that we cannot wait to go back and visit.  The name was Frascati and the food was to die for! We spontaneously decided to go see a movie following.  We took an Uber in, got to the theater all excited like 16 year olds (it was 1030 pm at night) and decided to see The Revenant.  We were beyond pumped because we got killer seats in the IMAX theater! It has probably been about 10 years since the last time I have been to the IMAX.  I was pretty giddy sitting in front of that HUGE screen.  Ben gave me the “Calm down, now” look quite a few times!

As we sat down and began to watch the previews, Ben received a face time call, from what looked like an England number (where he is from).  He declined the first call and when the second call came through he picked up. Ben left the theater to see who was trying to contact him.  I stayed in by our seats and waited for him to return.  Instead of him coming back to see the movie I received a texted that read “That was Ann. Granddad died.  She couldn’t get a hold of dad.”  I literally responded “Oh my God”. In a moment like this your heart sinks, you can’t think and everything seems to just stand still…  I was frozen.  Someone who I had grown to love and who was so dear to my husband, is now suddenly gone.  Our weekend away suddenly looked very different from what we had expected.  Instead of having mindless chatter and gallivanting aimlessly through the city, we grieved.  That night, Ben was able to speak with the majority of his family to share and process what had just happened.  Our conversations were centered on nostalgic memories, most that made us laugh some that made us cry.  Grandparents can hold such a special place in our lives.  Although we know that at some point they are going to go, unwell or not, it is never something you expect or are at ease with.

So, why do I share something so sad! It’s because when circumstances like this occur, it makes you pause and think.  Your perspective gets realigned into proper focus. It makes life stand still and it causes things that are important to be magnified and for the things that aren’t to be diminished.  At that moment in our time away we could only think about family.  When you lose someone it makes you so utterly grateful for the breath you are breathing and you once again realize how fragile this life is. You suddenly want to fully experience and cherish each and every moment.  I am grateful for times like these.  They bring me back to the center of what really and truly matters.  After God, family is everything to me.

On to something, a bit lighter! I have been wanting to work with Shabby Apple for quite some time now!  I am so honored to be able to do a collaborative post with them as they are one of my favorite online shops at the moment.  All of their designs are artfully designed with a vintage flair.  There are so many options to choose from, I literally want everything they make!! This Dress is called the “Professor Jones” and is one of the many pieces in their new arrivals! I highly recommend checking out Shabby Apple!! You will be very impressed with their selection and pricing!   Lucky for you, my wonderful readers, I have teamed up with Shabby Apple to give away 50.00 toward any purchase on their site.  Be sure to check out my Instagram feed tomorrow  for a chance to win!!  Thank you so much for stopping by the blog today! Much love always,

 

Ruthie xo

shabbyapple- spring   shabbyapple-new release
shabbyapple- Ruthie  shabbyapple-Jewlery
shabbyapple-Ruthie Ridley
shabbyapple-coachbag
shabbyapple-color blocking

shabbyapple-Blue dress

All Images By: Sarah Schweyer Photography

Dress: Shabby Apple

Bag: Coach

Ring: Charlotte Russe

Converse: Macy’s


Filed Under: Fashion Forward Tagged With: California, creativity, fashion, fashion forward, fashion trends, mom style, photography, style, stylist, trending, trends, women's fashion

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jessica says

    January 18, 2016 at 7:29 am

    So sorry for your loss! You’re positive perspective on life is so inspiring.

    P.S love that dress on you!

    Xo,
    Jess
    http://www.fashionablyfitjess.com

    • ruthieridley says

      January 23, 2016 at 11:37 pm

      Thank you so much Jessica! You are so kind to me!!

  2. stopdropandvogue says

    January 18, 2016 at 8:01 am

    You look fabulous in that dress! I love the length and the colors. I am sending prayers to your family over your loss. Stay strong <3
    http://stopdropandvogue.com/

    • ruthieridley says

      January 24, 2016 at 9:37 am

      Thank you gorgeous!! You are the best!! xo

  3. mommysgoneshoppingagain says

    January 18, 2016 at 8:47 am

    I love your outfit and bag!!!! I am so sorry for your loss!

    • ruthieridley says

      January 24, 2016 at 9:38 am

      Thank you so much!! xo

  4. Samantha says

    January 18, 2016 at 9:36 am

    That is such a hard thing to go through – and it happens so suddenly in most cases! I am so sorry for you loss, and your family is in my prayers! xoxo

    • ruthieridley says

      January 24, 2016 at 9:38 am

      Yes it is! Thank you so much Samantha!! xo

  5. tiarasandsequins says

    January 18, 2016 at 10:11 am

    You look fabulous in those colors! So sorry about your family’s loss xoxo

    • ruthieridley says

      January 24, 2016 at 9:42 am

      Thank you love!! xo

  6. Terry says

    January 18, 2016 at 2:38 pm

    Thank you for sharing very touching

    • ruthieridley says

      January 24, 2016 at 9:42 am

      Love you mom!! xo

  7. Janna Doan says

    January 18, 2016 at 5:32 pm

    ruthie–i am sad to hear this and send my condolences to you and your family during this difficult time. i couldn’t agree more about perspectives being realigned. my favorite sentence was, “It makes life stand still and it causes things that are important to be magnified and for the things that aren’t to be diminished.” so true. you my dear are an amazing writer. xoxo,

    janna | http://www.jannadoan.com

    • ruthieridley says

      January 24, 2016 at 9:43 am

      Your comments always make my day! Thank you Janna, you are truly amazing!! xo

  8. Kait Elizabeth says

    January 18, 2016 at 5:35 pm

    Ruthie, I’m sending you huge hugs and lots of prayer. Losing someone is never easy. You do look gorgeous in this dress love! Hugs, Kait
    http://makeminemaroon.com/

    • ruthieridley says

      January 24, 2016 at 9:43 am

      Thank you sweet Kait, that means so much! xo

  9. girlonthemovemorgan says

    January 18, 2016 at 5:35 pm

    These pictures look awesome Ruthie! I loved reading about Shabby Apple on your blog, I collaborated with them recently and really enjoyed it!

    • ruthieridley says

      January 24, 2016 at 9:44 am

      Thank you so much Morgan!! xo

  10. Anna says

    January 19, 2016 at 6:55 am

    I’m so sorry for your loss, Ruthie! My thoughts and prayers go to your family. I’m loving this dress and how you paired it with chucks!! XO ~Anna http://www.pepperandlife.com

    • ruthieridley says

      January 24, 2016 at 9:44 am

      Thank you beautiful Anna!! xo

  11. songbirdechoes says

    January 19, 2016 at 8:04 am

    I am so so sorry for your loss, my dear. Prayers are with you and the family. I really love how you styled this dress 🙂 Also, this means you need to plan another outing with your dear hubs soon! <3

    • ruthieridley says

      January 23, 2016 at 11:23 pm

      Thank you so much gorgeous, Gunjan! xo

  12. Shell says

    January 19, 2016 at 10:09 am

    This dress is gorgeous!
    So happy to hear you were able to have some alone time with the hubby.
    My hubby and I are in dyer need of date night!
    xo, Shell
    http://acourageousbeauty.com/

    • ruthieridley says

      January 23, 2016 at 11:23 pm

      Too bad we don’t live closer!! The kids and I would totally babysit!! lol

  13. This Jenn Girl says

    January 20, 2016 at 10:29 am

    Sending positive thoughts your way, I am sorry for your and your husband’s loss. You’re completely right – it’s events such as this one that put things into perspective for us. Suddenly, we feel grateful and more appreciative of things we once took for granted. We’re only human, but sometimes perspective is definitely needed.

    Love this casual look and the color-blocking! You look so comfy and chic!

    Jenn | http://www.thisjenngirl.com

    • ruthieridley says

      January 23, 2016 at 11:22 pm

      Thank you gorgeous Jenn, you are a sweetheart!! xo

  14. MemeSu says

    January 20, 2016 at 7:12 pm

    Firstly, sorry for loss…prayers up for your family and big hugs to you!
    I can definitely relate to the alone time with your partner. We were super excited about our week trip to Maui but had to postpone because of the house going into escrow (we are selling and house hunting lol!) and arrangements falling through for the kids! Thank goodness I had reservations that allowed free cancellation! lol!

    • ruthieridley says

      January 23, 2016 at 11:22 pm

      Thank you so much for the hugs and the kind words!! I am excited for you all, getting and selling a home!! Bitter sweet I am sure!! Hopefully yall can get away sometime this year!! xo

  15. heathermedema says

    January 21, 2016 at 6:44 am

    Ruthie! I am so very sorry for your loss, my friend. Your positive perspective is so inspiring! Loss of a loved one can be such a blessing to us when we take that moment to step back and appreciate all that God has given us through that particular loved one as well as those who are still here with us. <3 Prayers and virtual hugs go out to you and your family!! XX

    As for the outfit – you look so very chic and cool! I adore the sporty vibe and the midi-length dress is perfection!
    XO,
    Heather
    http://www.alittlecasual.com

    • ruthieridley says

      January 23, 2016 at 10:31 pm

      Heather you are so kind. These words mean so much to me. Much love!! Xo

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Ruthie Ridley Blog was established in January of 2015 out of a strong desire to have a place for creative expression both with her love for all things fashion and deep faith in Christ. Ruthie loves classic, timeless style with a side of fun, flirty flair! Faith and family is the foundation of her life where everything she does flows out from. She believes that with hard work and chasing big dreams, anything can be achieved!

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Me out here on a Monday trying to shine bright lik Me out here on a Monday trying to shine bright like a diamond 💎 because I literally lost mine this weekend 😳!!! (Swipe left to see💔) No lie, my diamond fell out of the prongs at Savannah’s 🏐 tournament, and I couldn’t find it! Get your diamonds, checked ladies!! I am really sad about it, but it could definitely be worse! I’ve had that beautiful ring for 18 years and I never got it checked! We will get it fixed eventually! @bmridley the ring 💍 is broke but it’s you and me forever baby ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

In other news, this super cute dress is $15🤯!! Comment DRESS to get deets to this entire look ❤️‍🔥💥🫶🏾✨😌😍😘
✨APRIL✨ was a “Beautiful Mess”😌 Showing ✨APRIL✨ was a “Beautiful Mess”😌 Showing you all the of the beautiful… I don’t have any pictures of the mess 😝!!! “But in all things we give THANKS!” 1 Thess. 5:18 ❤️‍🔥 (Comment “SHOP” for links to any of my looks)
1. Just because 🧡💁🏾‍♀️
2. Happy 72nd birthday to my dad 🎉
3. Date night with my boo 🤍
4. J is getting very tall 😭
5. Card games and chats with @mealigrace 🩷
6. @ava_ridley09 ⚽️❤️‍🔥💥
7. Family sideline fun 😌
8. Sav’s amazing 🏐 team in a tournament ✨
9. Happy birthday @nataliekresge 🥳
10. Big tournament win for J and his team 🏆
11. Extra grateful for @overcome_fitnesscp in this season 🫶🏾
12. Happy birthday @sethdavid 🥳!! Happy 20th anniversary @deborahgiles @daniel_giles ❤️‍🔥
13. 🦆 on my favorite walk around the lake🤎
14. @ava_ridley09 award ceremony for life fitness. Currently squatting 205 🏋️‍♀️💪🏾
15. Brunch + prayer with these 💎 
16. @hiforrest concert for J with his best bud for his 13th!! @delani_eden you’re the best 😍
17.  @carlygulinomay & I Adventuring with our kids over Spring break🩷
In today’s episode🎙️we are talking about th In today’s episode🎙️we are talking about the power of discipline & the key to unlocking both long-term and short-term goals🚀
We truly believe that everything you want in life is on the other side of the hard and uncomfortable!!! 😌
🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts & Spotify or tap the link in our bio! #TheGoodStuffPodcast #Discipline #GrowthMindset #PodcastEpisode
WHAT IS ONE OF THE BIGGEST MIRACLES YOU HAVE EVER WHAT IS ONE OF THE BIGGEST MIRACLES YOU HAVE EVER WITNESSED GOD DO IN YOUR LIFE?!✨🫶🏾🕊️❤️‍🔥🙌🏾🙏🏾🤍

I’ll go first!! Earlier this week I was just thinking about how faithful God has been to me over the years! I think we all go through different highs and lows, but it’s so good to stop and look back and remember what God has done! 

Back in 2008 when Ben and I just got married, the market had crashed. I had purchased a home on my own in CT- We lost the house and our cars were repossessed - I honestly felt like we would never recover from that!!! Not to mention, I felt so much failure and shame attached to that season!

Fast-forward to 2019, we begin working with our dear friend  @cody.d.williams  on purchasing our very first home together and he told us all the work that needed to be done with our credit,etc. we took a year and did everything we could to get things right! Not only were we able to purchase our first home together in 2019, but everything from the past was no longer a factor & two years later we were able to purchase an even more magnificent property that we now call home 🏡 

Why was this a miracle for me? I think because I thought we would always be behind & nothing would ever change. We rented for 7+ years before we were able to purchase a home as a married couple and that started to discourage me! 

Just a reminder that little miracles happen everyday and that your worst is never the worst.  God can turn your situation around in a moment!!! The BEST is yet to COME!!! Keep believing ⭐️

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Help me wish our GORGEOUS @ava_ridley09 a HAPPY SW Help me wish our GORGEOUS @ava_ridley09 a HAPPY SWEET 16 🎉😘🎂🥳🎈🎊🎁!!!!!! I could try to describe how absolutely incredible of a human she is but words are literally not enough. We love you so much AVA!!!!!!! 16…… LETS GOOOO 🤍
Posts that stopped my scroll this week 😌. Which Posts that stopped my scroll this week 😌. Which one resonates with you the most?🤍💫💥
We survived the MAY-hem 🏐⚽️💫💥🙏🏾 We survived the MAY-hem 🏐⚽️💫💥🙏🏾!!! May was full and chaotic and stretched us all, but mostly it was filled with proud parent moments, deep love and the goodness of God woven all the way through!! Are your kiddos out of school yet?! Our last day was yesterday!!!
Posts that stopped my scroll this week 😌. Which Posts that stopped my scroll this week 😌. Which one resonates the most with you?💫🫶🏾✨💥
Happy for Ava girl!!! She deserves it 🥹. Also h Happy for Ava girl!!! She deserves it 🥹. Also happy for me 😝. I need help with this cab service I’ve been running the last few years!!!! We got her a 2008 Honda Civic!! Should last her a few years! What was your very first car?! Mine was a 1989 Toyota Corolla 🚗😍 @ava_ridley09
Posts that stopped my scroll this week 😌. Which Posts that stopped my scroll this week 😌. Which one resonates with you the most? 🤍
Ready for any summer vacation in these stunning bl Ready for any summer vacation in these stunning blues💙!! Which dress is your favorite?! Comment DRESS for a link to these pieces!! @lovechicos #SummerDresses #ChicosPartner
Forever grateful to call these beautiful humans mi Forever grateful to call these beautiful humans mine😌Thank you, Jesus for the gift 💫Also, Happy Mother’s Day to my incredible mom 🥹🤩🫶🏾… there is not another more loving and selfless than you✨. Happy Mother’s Day to all the incredible moms out there🌸
Me out here on a Monday trying to shine bright lik Me out here on a Monday trying to shine bright like a diamond 💎 because I literally lost mine this weekend 😳!!! (Swipe left to see💔) No lie, my diamond fell out of the prongs at Savannah’s 🏐 tournament, and I couldn’t find it! Get your diamonds, checked ladies!! I am really sad about it, but it could definitely be worse! I’ve had that beautiful ring for 18 years and I never got it checked! We will get it fixed eventually! @bmridley the ring 💍 is broke but it’s you and me forever baby ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

In other news, this super cute dress is $15🤯!! Comment DRESS to get deets to this entire look ❤️‍🔥💥🫶🏾✨😌😍😘
✨APRIL✨ was a “Beautiful Mess”😌 Showing ✨APRIL✨ was a “Beautiful Mess”😌 Showing you all the of the beautiful… I don’t have any pictures of the mess 😝!!! “But in all things we give THANKS!” 1 Thess. 5:18 ❤️‍🔥 (Comment “SHOP” for links to any of my looks)
1. Just because 🧡💁🏾‍♀️
2. Happy 72nd birthday to my dad 🎉
3. Date night with my boo 🤍
4. J is getting very tall 😭
5. Card games and chats with @mealigrace 🩷
6. @ava_ridley09 ⚽️❤️‍🔥💥
7. Family sideline fun 😌
8. Sav’s amazing 🏐 team in a tournament ✨
9. Happy birthday @nataliekresge 🥳
10. Big tournament win for J and his team 🏆
11. Extra grateful for @overcome_fitnesscp in this season 🫶🏾
12. Happy birthday @sethdavid 🥳!! Happy 20th anniversary @deborahgiles @daniel_giles ❤️‍🔥
13. 🦆 on my favorite walk around the lake🤎
14. @ava_ridley09 award ceremony for life fitness. Currently squatting 205 🏋️‍♀️💪🏾
15. Brunch + prayer with these 💎 
16. @hiforrest concert for J with his best bud for his 13th!! @delani_eden you’re the best 😍
17.  @carlygulinomay & I Adventuring with our kids over Spring break🩷
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