Hey lovelies, we are back with another spotlight featuring a dynamic Woman of Style & Faith- Mrs. Deidra Bibbs! Deidra describes herself as a true girly-girl, and rightfully so, as witnessed by her pretty style, poise and grace. She's not only a girl's girl, but a girl that's after God's own heart endeavoring to point all of us other girls to His heart, over at her blog Our Home His Heart. The lifestyle and faith blog is not only full of topics on beauty, style and home decor, but faith-based encouragement rooted in God's Word. The devotions she posts are prayerfully written to strengthen and inspire women to their lives beautifully, both inside and out! We introduce the inspiring Mrs. Bibbs to you, please enjoy her interview below!
Tell Saintly Style a little about yourself/background, and about your blog and how you got started? What about these things inspires you?
Hey Everyone! I’m Deidra Bibbs and I blog over at www.ourhomehisheart.com, which is a Lifestyle + Faith fusion blog. Originally from Raleigh, NC, I currently live in the Charlotte area with my husband and my 2-year-old son. I love God, my family and friends, and I love all things beauty and style related, including home décor! My degree is in Elementary Education and spent several years as a Kindergarten teacher before deciding to be a stay-at-home mom until my son is school age. Ever since I can remember, I have loved writing and helping others.
I began writing devotions in my journal and found such happiness in doing so! For years, I toyed around with the idea of having a blog where I could share God’s love by sharing my devotions with other women, as well as my love for beauty and style, inspiring them to live beautifully from the inside out.
I found that when I wrote devotions in my journal, I was able to connect with God closely and could hear from God clearly. Having that intimate connection each day and clarity was therapeutic for me, so I share my devotions with others in hopes of inspiring them as well.
Being obedient to God, I took a giant leap of faith and started my blog when my son was just 8 months old. I view my blog as my ministry, as well as a way to stay creative during this season of life I am in. I knew absolutely nothing about blogging when I started, but what I did know for sure was that God put a desire in me to inspire other women through this platform, no matter how big or small it grew to be. Inspiration comes in many forms. God always equips us for what He calls us to do!
God has empowered me to use the gifts He placed in me in a unique way: my love for writing, the passion to share His word, and a healthy affection for things related to beauty and style! Women are naturally multi-faceted. We all have so much in common! It is great to be able to share aspects of each piece of me with others.
How do you couple your faith with what you do and as a blogger etc, if blogging isn’t what you do solely?
My faith is the very basis for who I am: a child of God, a wife, a mother, and so much more! Seeking God daily is important to me. I rely on the Lord for everything, including His guidance for the direction my blog takes, along with what content that I produce.
How do you manage and a maintain balance in the different aspects of your professional & personal life along with your relationship with God?
Balance is key! Finding the right balance in life is how I stay focused on living the best that God has for me. By keeping Jesus at the center of everything, I notice that balance occurs more organically. Hindsight is 20/20 and I can reflect back on times where I would try to do things on my own, without seeking God’s guidance and plan, and would end up frustrated. Now, I make sure to start and end each day with God and talk to Him throughout the day to stay connected.
Just like with teaching, with running a blog, there is always going to be something to learn or some work that could be done. The important thing for me is to have boundaries and limits, so that I know when it is time to put work away and just simply live and be present in the moment. All work and no play is never fun for anyone. A planner keeps me organized and sticking to a schedule helps me to set limits and boundaries. The planner helps me to prioritize so that I am giving enough of myself and my time to the things and people I love. I make designated days “blogging days” and try to be as efficient as possible on those days. Making a monthly plan and sticking with it helps when blogging to make sure my time is being used wisely when I do sit down to write and do other things for my blog.
What’s been your greatest accomplishment thus far?
My greatest accomplishment thus far would be becoming a mother. There is just something about becoming a parent that helps you to see clearly what your purpose is. I see parenthood as a blessing and an honor. It really forces you to identify what is really important to you. It matured me, gave me clarity, filled my heart with even more joy, and challenges me to be better in every way.
I see you're married to your college sweetheart. I’m married to my high school sweetheart, 29 years in July, and our journey hasn’t been without trial and error, however God is amazing and has kept and blessed us through it all, and I love tell people so. Please tell us about your journey.
I am married to my college sweetheart and we just celebrated 7 years of marriage! My husband is so special to me for many reasons. One being that he actually led me to Christ when we were just friends back in college! We were able to build a strong relationship based solely on friendship for many years before even dating.
One thing that we both had to learn early in our relationship is how to effectively communicate with each other. So many disagreements could have been avoided with proper communication! However, I am thankful for those times, because God has allowed us to grow together and it is so evident now that we have learned effective ways to communicate with one another. We remember to keep God first and we laugh - a whole lot!
What about fashion do you love most? Are there any new trends or concepts in fashion that’s piqued your interest as of late?
Freedom to express your own personal style is what I love most about fashion. Looking in magazines and seeing what others are wearing is great for inspiration. It is fun to take that same idea and then add your own spin on it! I’m really into stud details on clothing and shoes, floral prints, camo, and things with iron-on patches! Denim and the color black will always be in style. Most times, you’ll find me in something made of denim, camo, or something black!
Do you have any particular designers/stores/brands that you just love and even prefer when actually shopping for clothes or when reviewing certain pieces to blog? If so, tell me why these in particular are your go-to?
My go-to stores for clothes are Nordstrom, Loft, Target, TJ Maxx, Marshall’s, American Eagle Outfitters, GAP, and H & M. Sephora and Ulta are favorites for beauty products, although I do use a good deal of drugstore products in my routine. Great things can be found at all price points, as long as you know your style, what to look for, and how to find quality things. All of these clothing stores have such variety, so putting looks together is easy. Investment pieces are great to have because they are items that you’ll have in your wardrobe for years to come.
Is there anything you will not wear even if it’s considered haute or on trend?
If something is uncomfortable, fits poorly, and is fussy, or just simply does not feel like “me,” I will not wear it. I realize that sometimes things may be a better fit for someone else’s body-type and style and I can admire it on them. There is nothing worse than ill-fitting clothing and having to tug on things constantly! I’d rather wear things I feel good in and try to embrace the body and unique features that God has given me.
“What’s Your Style Innuendo” (the way you would like others to consider or view what your style is without you even saying a word when they see you)?
My style innuendo is simple, classic, and comfortable with fun and subtle details. I always want to wear things that make me feel like myself no matter what I’m doing or where I’m going. I tend to stay pretty classic in my style, only adding a few trends here and there. Details and accessories are important and can make all the difference!
Now, how would you describe your overall style (lifestyle) – dress, education, personality, things you do, your circle etc? How has your overall style evolved in the past few years and why?
As a toddler mom, my Monday through Friday lifestyle is very casual. Having a daily routine helps a lot. For church, going out with friends, and date nights, getting all dolled up is so fun! It took some trial and error, but I’ve learned over the years what my style is.
Building a wardrobe around quality basics, adding interesting details here and there, and mixing high and low pieces, works great for me. Good accessories and jackets can take the simplest outfit to the next level! When I didn’t really know my style, I can remember buying things and having doubts while in the store, but deciding to purchase anyway…BIG MISTAKE!
I started to notice that those things never got worn, so they were a waste of money. But the blessing in that was that I was able to get a clear picture of what things I actually do gravitate towards and reach for in my closet, which is how I discovered my own personal style. It’s definitely a process. I now know that doubt means don’t! If something is questionable in the store or fitting room, there’s no way you will feel any different once it’s home!
My personality is easy to talk to, kind, and fun loving! I’m definitely a dreamer, a thinker, and a reflective person. To me, learning is a lifelong journey.
This blog series is about not only highlighting careers, businesses and accomplishments, but transforming style from the inside out, therefore, how can one transform their style and faith in a positive, progressive manner, and maintain it without compromise?
I would say to always keep your priorities in mind as you are transforming your style and your faith. Staying true to yourself and your values is what is most important. Take things step-by-step and day-by-day, enjoying the process along the way. Let God transform you and mature you in your faith. True beauty really starts from within, so pay just as much attention (if not more) to what’s on the inside, just as much as the outside!
What’s next on the horizon for you, your blog, ministry etc?
I want to continue to share what I love and prayerfully inspire others through my blog! Because I have such a love for writing, I have many future plans that will allow me to develop and utilize that skill even more. I will continue to seek God for what His plan is for me as I constantly aspire to be the best version of myself. Focusing on family is a major priority for me, as well.
Everyone visit Deidra at the following social platforms below and also find weekly encouragement and more that will inspire you to be beautiful from the inside out.
Instagram: @ourhomehisheart
Twitter: Ourhomehisheart
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ourhomehisheart
Pinterest: Deidra (ourhomehisheart.com)
Blog: www.ourhomehisheart.com
