Fourth of July Style for the Pool
Fourth of July is a special holiday for my family. I’ve mentioned many times over the years here on Three Heel Clicks that I was brought up as a child of a Military Father. He service, dedicated, work ethic and sacrifice to protect the lives of us living here in what is considered as a safe, prosperous nation has been something my family was directly involved in. In my father’s garage, he has a poster that reads the following quote:
People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf.
- George Orwell
The garage for me is one of my places I’ve gone to since I was a teenager to paint. I could turn what was then my boombox on and drown out all of the world to safely paint for hours upon hours. I still am drawn to sitting in that same room when I return to visit every time. As I was reading out there over the past weeks and spending time journaling, pouring over great works of leaders, and spending time working on my spiritual fitness I again was reminded about my father’s service to our country.
America has political unrest, policy reform, socioeconomic conflicts and crime but for the majority of my life I knew I could lay my head on my pillow without hearing the sounds of bombs, terrorists and fear of my life. I think that’s a freedom taken for granted in our country. So before I give you a few poolside style tips, I am taking a moment to thank the brave souls that fight for our country. I wish war was not a necessity in our world today but I thank God every night I can pray in public, have access to food and medical care (even if it’s expensive) and the freedom to vote.
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If you have a chance to thank someone in your life tomorrow for trying to make our world a better place to live in and our country an environment who doesn’t not have daily mass destruction, war on our own soil from military raids. It doesn’t need to be military personnel but our politicians fighting for world policy or advocates to aid other countries and create better relationships with opposing governments to ensure our country remains safe. Just think, if everyone living here in America to a few minutes to thank one other person on our biggest day of celebration of Independence that’s one way we can influence to make this country a better place. Now on to a little style inspiration for our celebrations tomorrow!
I recently put this outfit together (which you can find about a month ago on my Instagram feed) to inspire you a poolside or beachside outfit you can easily transition for an afternoon of BBQ’s, firework viewing and other festivities. I mentioned in my last post about Swimsuit Style different cover ups you can layer so you aren’t strutting half naked around the place when you aren’t in the pool or lounging on a chair. As I am approaching mid-thirties (Yeeek! Can’t believe it!) I find a one piece is my go to for an all day swimsuit. It doubles as a cute top when you throw a scarf, sarong, skirt or shorts over it. You can check out a few other looks below here by clicking through the pictures to find the original post:
More Swimsuit Ideas and Cover ups
Yes, you heard me. This boss babe right here is intentionally going slower in life. For the first time, ever. I’ve put extra time in between tasks. I’ve taken things off my to-do list. I’ve spent the last few months asking myself what is really important. I’ve gone inward to figure out my priorities. I’ve taken tons of time to journal, reflect and pray. The thing I’ve learned is that we can become addicted to anything including activity. Next time you are wondering what you should be doing with an extra five minutes? Breathe. Yep. Sit down and take 5 minutes to just breathe. I promise your entire life will change from implementing this one tactic. Your heart rate will be calmer. Your thoughts will be clearer. You will feel less rushed. You will be recharged.
Amazon Prime Day is tomorrow! I am rounding up tons of looks on my Instagram and Facebook stories today and tomorrow to share with you guys. This post is sharing a few of my Summertime favorites and then I’ll do a second post with Fall favorites since school is back next month! I love Amazon and with Prime, you can order items with a 30-day return policy. No cost for shipping them back! Makes trying on at home easy. Sometimes I’ll even order two sizes and send the one that doesn’t work back since I rarely have to package. Just hop over to a UPS and they will do it for you! So easy. Below you will find a ton of looks I’ve worn over the past year and their corresponding Amazon products. You can also shop the entire list here! All items fit True to Size and I’m wearing a Small or XS (if it’s made by The Drop).
Over the past six months, I’ve been taking collagen daily. Although I’ve personally seen results throughout the past few months it wasn’t until last week that I realized just how big of an impact it’s had on my overall physical health. From my hairdresser commenting on how thick the back of my hair has gotten to diminishing cellulite - I’m here as proof that this magic stuff really works. A few months ago I wrote a blog post on the benefits of collagen. You can check it out here for an introduction to what it is and a few benefits. Today I’d like to focus on how it’s specifically impacted me and my own results. Here are three ways my body has transformed since I started taking collagen.
I cannot believe Spring Break will be here in just a few weeks! One of the top destinations in Texas this time of year is the same location featured in today’s post: South Padre Island! The whole area will be covered in young adults, parties, and tourists. I opted for quieter adventures and drove down last month for MLK weekend. Although it was a little chilly at times, it was the perfect getaway for a long weekend. I brought a bunch of dresses to shoot while I was there, but made it over to the sand dunes on the northside of the island. I wore the cutest swimsuit from Target! It comes in several colors and I’ve been loving this lilac shade. I paired it with a sweatshirt bought one of the local souvenir shops and a pair of sweater shorts. I went ahead and rounded up five swimsuits under $50 from Target for you to shop!
The island stretches a full 60 miles until you reach the Mansfield Channel that separates South Padre Island from North Padre Island. It’s absolutely beautiful and I look forward to getting the opportunity to come back and camp for a few days. I highly recommend bringing hiking boots so you can explore the beautiful sand dunes and grasslands. You’ll need to watch out for rattlesnakes, but other than that it’s a pretty mild hiking environment. You can watch the sunset over the Madre Lagoon which is one of seven estuaries in the world. I also recommend bringing a cooler with extra food and snacks in the event you were stuck. There’s not a lot of people as you get further down the coast (sometimes miles in between campsites) so keeping enough food and water on hand is essential.
At the beginning of summer, I felt so worn out. I had just come off of a four-month push in my business and at work, my daughter broke her elbow and had surgery, and stress was at an all-time high. I felt exhausted and uninspired. Have you recently been there, too? I’ve learned as the years pass that life comes in waves. Sometimes you are riding a high and then the valleys in life happen. As I approach being 36 in two weeks I’ve been reflecting more and more about these seasons in my life. How do I manage the lows better? How do I encourage the high points to stay high longer? How do I stay inspired when I don’t feel like I have much energy? As I’ve reflected I found a few things that help me get through the waves of life.
Over the past week, I took myself on a little journey across the South. I decided to start in Mississippi and travel down to the Florida coast and then back through New Orleans making a loop home. When I arrived at the coast I immediately encountered a series of thunderstorms. It definitely was a challenge for me to photograph and spend time at the beach due to intermittent raining and required an immense amount of flexibility in my day. I am a planner but you can’t always plan everything. Life is dynamic. In fact, some would say that life is constantly changing and nothing remains the same. I’ve found the thunderstorms bring the prettiest sunsets and rainbows. I think that’s true for life, too. There’s no such thing as only experiencing “good.” You have to have the lows for growth and to appreciate the highs. Without rain there is no rainbow.
Are you a summer baby? I am! I live for the long days, pool and beachwear, delicious in-season fruits, and lightning bugs in the late evenings. I could live all day every day in a swimsuit and couldn’t wait for this year’s summer season especially after the Texas snowstorm we had. I have an upcoming trip to Florida and decided to pick up a few new swimsuits and coverups for the occasion. I grabbed a bright grass green and white one for a more classic look and the cutest red scalloped trim for a glam look. I also grabbed this adorable striped beach umbrella I can’t wait to use! Shop all three outfits below from Amazon for your next trip. What’s your favorite look - green, white or red?
I’ve been sharing lately about mental health on my facebook and instagram feeds. I realize that between COVID, Black Lives Matter, hurricanes and fires… our mental health is more important than ever. Last week we discussed how transformation is an inside job and turning setbacks into comebacks. Today’s topic is a little more action oriented. So sit down, take a few notes and my goal is for you to walk away with a few things you will implement today. Remember a plan without action is just a dream. Let’s make your dreams reality.
Transformation is an inside job. You can have, be or do anything in life. Often people think if I had a better home, or relationship or life I’d be a better person or at least a happier person... I know I did... But happiness can’t come from exterior circumstances. True joy is a process that starts from the inside. I learned this over the past three years of my life. Two years ago to this month I had my very first psychiatrist visit after a series of panic attacks that wouldn’t subside. I remember walking into that office and wanting answers to many questions I had about what I was feeling.
A couple of weeks my daughter, dog and I packed up a laundry basket full of goodies and headed to the beach for a summer day. We decided to drive to Surfside, TX which is pretty quick from where we live. Under two hours and that’s with stops. If you live in Cypress, Katy, Brookshire, Fulshear or Sugarland I’d recommend looking at that beach instead of driving all the way to Galveston for a day trip. Less traffic, soft sand and you can find a quiet spot once you drive down past where most people congregate. Very important these days with the pandemic and all. I’m a huge proponent of wearing a mask and keeping 6 feet in distance! I also spend most of my time at home, on long walks or in my car. Basically, my own areas I can control :)
Another tip is to add a pair of classic sunglasses, snazz up your look with a swipe of red lipstick and choose a patriotic palette without looking like an American flag. I love the combination of red, white and blue for it’s symbolism and complimentary, harmonious scheme. Add a nautical bag with rope details or a scarf to an otherwise neutral outfit in white or navy. Keeping a classy look is easy to assemble if you just take a few minutes and add a little color.
If you are spending time doing other activities you can add the same strategies above with dresses, rompers or other pieces you already own. Think about stripes, polka dots, or solid pieces for the day. You can also add gingham pieces for a little more fun! Click through the posts below to find more looks for inspiration for tomorrow!
Here are a few last-minute Amazon things you can add to your cart for the upcoming holiday. Love these rasberry-colored shorts (I also have them in denim), this adorable striped duffle bag, these slides, and my favorite which is this bikini. I also love this red halter one-piece swimsuit! You can shop all my favorites below and don’t forget to check out my Amazon Storefront.
I believe there are seasons for everything in life. I mentioned in my post last week on listening to your inner voice how I needed to take time to enjoy the things I’ve worked hard for over this past year. After a season of grinding every day from early morning until my head hit the pillow my body was telling me to get more rest. I started incorporating more quiet time, regular massages to work out stress knots in my body, and sleep to help combat the pressure. As the days began to get longer I noticed I also shifted in my sleep schedule. I awoke a little later and went to bed later. Instead of fighting this, I decided it was time to breathe it all in and just go with it. You see, as much as goals are incredibly important so is joy. Without joy, we cannot experience the fruit of our rewards. Savoring the sweetness of summer has never been so vital for me in the past. But here we are and I’m embracing this season. Time is precious and you cannot relive moments.
Memorial Day Weekend is forever the milestone to kick off summer. Yes, it’s day of honor and rememberance for those who have fought and fallen for our country. It’s also the end of the school year and the start to summer vacation. Iced coffee, sorbet, and gelato, days on the lake, and a long list of summer bucket activities are now the agenda. So much ahead this summer compared to last year’s lockdown. I’m excited about the upcoming months and changes life will offer as I shed things that no longer serve my life and make room for more creativity, joy, and freedom.
I shared a little about past fourth of July experiences in my post the other day. Let me tell you how much I absolutely adore family holidays. The smiles, the loud talking over one another and all of the fun food warm my heart every time. Although I’ve had my fair share of dramatic holidays - trust me - it isn’t always puppies and rainbows over here (unfortunately) but for the most part I try to look forward to celebrating life occasions whether I have friends and family near or not. What about you? Are you one who also looks forward to holidays like the fourth of July?
A couple of weeks my daughter, dog and I packed up a laundry basket full of goodies and headed to the beach for a summer day. We decided to drive to Surfside, TX which is pretty quick from where we live. Under two hours and that’s with stops. If you live in Cypress, Katy, Brookshire, Fulshear or Sugarland I’d recommend looking at that beach instead of driving all the way to Galveston for a day trip. Less traffic, soft sand and you can find a quiet spot once you drive down past where most people congregate. Very important these days with the pandemic and all. I’m a huge proponent of wearing a mask and keeping 6 feet in distance! I also spend most of my time at home, on long walks or in my car. Basically, my own areas I can control :)
What are your plans for the Fourth of July?
You deserve happiness. You deserve joy. You deserve to have a life filled with positivity. That’s the entire reason for my GLOW UP course which gives you a 60-day plan and a community of accountability partners to chat with as you continue to affirm yourself into your dream life!