high note: "Happy Work Anniversary!"

Does anyone get excited about their work anniversary like I do? Today marks three years of working on staff at Victory Church. Three years! I'm still taken aback every time I say it. All I know is I couldn't imagine working anywhere else (I always joke that I'd have to hear an audible voice from God to ever leave). I'm surrounded by incredible people who simply love God and love people. If this was the job I had for the rest of my life, I couldn't complain. There's nothing like writing a song for the Church to sing, then leading them in singing it. When I started writing songs at 13, I had no idea how God was going to use them or this gift for songwriting that came out of nowhere. Seven years later it all became clear though when my pastor's wife, Jennifer Crow, invited me to check out Victory Church in March of 2009. She encouraged me to visit the church and volunteer with the youth worship team, and I instantly fell in love. I dove in head first, singing and playing piano whenever and wherever I was needed. This church cared about people and accepted everyone in a way I hadn't seen before. A way that was truly Jesus-like. And the music...the music blew me away. One day after church in the summer of 2009, I remember commenting to my mom that it would be so awesome to work at a church like Victory someday. That fall, Jennifer called and offered me a job. 

Since then, I've helped write and perform several songs for this album...

...and enjoyed every minute of working with these amazing people...

Kristy Starling, Chris Crow, Lael Louthan | Beautiful Conference, August 2012

Chris Crow, Kristy Starling, Josh Belcher, Lael Louthan | Live recording, March 2012 | photo by Derek Green Photography

Lael Louthan, Kristy Starling, Oscar Ortiz, Chris Crow | Recording cover of "Titanium", Spring 2012 | photo by Jaron Nix

Lael Louthan | "Heaven Bound" music video shoot, April 2011

Do you celebrate YOUR work anniversary? I'd love to hear what you do and how long you've been doing it! Leave a comment below! Happy Friday! :)

- Lael

Back to ("Fall") Basics

Jacket: JCPenney
Top: H&M
Jeans: Old Navy
Shoes: Chinese Laundry (Ross)
Bag: Steve Madden (Ross)
Watch: Macy's (Style Co.)
Bangles: BCBGeneration (Dillard's)
Sunnies: Simply Vera Vera Wang (Kohl's)
Lips: Covergirl LipPerfection ("Hot" - 305)

My "fall" basics...

• I love that denim jackets have a strong presence this fall! In jr. high I literally think I wore one to school almost every day. A denim jacket can instantly bring almost any casual outfit together. I like to dress up my denim jacket with heels, though flats work just as well! 

• Leopard print always seems to catch my eye, whether it's clothes, accessories, shoes, notebooks, furniture, etc. It's just so fun! Not to mention timeless. I can't think of a time when leopard print hasn't been in style. I usually prefer leopard print in smaller doses, so this scarf is perfect.

• Speaking of scarves - to me they are the number one fall/winter accessory! They're wonderful because they not only compliment outfits, but they're functional! I love the warmth they bring, especially since I'm extremely cold-natured! 

• Black. I can never have enough black. I wear it all year round! It flatters figures and goes with everything. I'm particularly fond of the black tank I'm wearing above because it's long enough to wear with leggings and helps make light-colored skinny jeans look more flattering on those of us who don't have super skinny legs ;) ...

• ...but just because I don't have super skinny legs, doesn't mean I'll stop wearing skinny jeans -  they're my favorite style! My collection of colors continues to grow. I'm currently on the hunt for a pair in burgundy! Oh, and that whole "no white after Labor Day" rule? Yeah...I don't follow that... 

• I usually go for a black bag for fall/winter, but I love my neutral, camel-colored bag above. It goes with almost every outfit and is the perfect size for carrying everything I need for my "on-the-go" lifestyle.

• A watch is probably one of the best accessories/jewelry items you can be utilizing right now. Because of their growing popularity, you can find really cute ones in nearly every price range! Though I have a silver watch and a fun mint-colored watch, my gold watch gets the most wear, hands down. 

• I used to be terrified to try red lipstick, but the more I wear it, the more I love it! It really "pops" and "wakes up" my face. It's basically like an accessory and can spice up any outfit.

Let me know what YOUR favorite fall basics are by leaving a comment below! Thanks for stopping by & spreading the word of my new blog! :) 

- Lael