An Autumn To Remember
This season is one to remember in many ways. I am filled with gratitude as I write these word sitting cross legged on my couch. My new couch for that matter. About a month ago I was attending an online yoga class and the instructor talked about how shedding baggage during Fall. You can read more about that concept in this post, but I realized I had some emotional baggage that I just needed to let go. Guess what? As soon as I let those things go that no longer served me in life I was able to make room for more gratitude. With gratitude comes joy. What no longer served me was relinquished so that I could have mental space to enjoy what was right in front of me.
Several things shifted over this past month. I started seeing how I had more creativity to photograph and write content. I woke up earlier without an alarm clock. I also awoke with less pain in my neck, back, and hips. Did you know that tension in those areas is actually a sign that you are struggling with something mentally or emotionally? Now problems still arise on occasion, but I have to tell you I no longer view them as the problems I once had. In perspective, things look more like obstacles and it’s my job to figure out how to maneuver around them or go over them. I look at most situations that are obnoxious as just that… something annoying I’ll have to deal with. I talked about this in a previous post about living Happily Ever After but if you change your mindset you’ll change everything else.
Another thing that shifted was how others viewed me. No longer was I someone in constant panic but someone who glowed. Yep, crazy right? Can you imagine those around you telling you how happy you look and that you glow? Two years ago this NEVER happened. Now it happens regularly. I was talking with my mentor this morning and I shared with her how much she impacted this process. I also shared that Facebook memories keep popping up and how much different I am from this time last year. She said to me, “Look at growth - hard to see in the process.” She is always a woman of very few words and they are always incredibly wise. I am thankful God placed guides in my life like her to share how to get to this place.
Moving into the Winter season, the busy time of the year I aim to share this gratitude and love with those around me. From kinder words and more compassion to giving back to the community. I’ve been blessed throughout this process by many and it’s important for me to share not hold on to. I’ve already begun meditating on a few words like abundance, compassion and gratitude.
As for the current season, well I’m going to continue to have more days like this one where I took a short trip to Navasota, TX which is a historic small town near where I currently live. I spent a quiet weekend morning roaming around and capturing vignettes and nooks around the little downtown square. I had coffee at the Classic Rock Cafe and by the way they have the BEST iced pumpkin spiced latte I’ve tried period. It’s so good! I had mine with oat milk. Doing what makes us joyful helps us create and share a life with purpose. Go do the things that bring you inner joy. Multiply that feeling and I bet you’ll find joy increases overall in your life.
For my outfit, you can shop below - I love this pair of button front jeans. I paired with a classic Ralph Lauren cotton button up, flat suede boots and floppy hat. Perfect for a Fall day in Texas. Add a bag with fringe for some western flair and you’re hands free all day!
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This past year I’ve made it a goal to visit as many National and State Parks as possible. They house some of the most beautiful scenery! This season alone I visited Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, Padre Island National Sea Shore, Hot Springs National Forest, and Davy Crockett National Forest. It’s so refreshing to get away from most people and wander the trails of nature. I’ve been able to experience things you just don’t get in the city around people. From driving 50 miles off-road to getting lost in the Fall foliage National Parks are the way to go!
This season I’ve focused on building a new work wardrobe and picked up items that could easily transition from work to play. I love wearing cotton tops underneath a cute blazer during this time of year. Makes it easy to remove the jacket for lunch or dinner after a meeting. Pair with cap toe mules (which I grabbed in beige and brown below) for a polished look. A scarf immediately makes any outfit look pulled together. I love to tie around my bag of choice for the day. Lately, I’ve added more green into my wardrobe. I love the midi skirt below - really lightweight and looks great with over-the-knee boots and a sweater. This shirt dress was an amazing find. I’ve worn with and without a belt. It’s so comfy and great for work or play. Lastly, I added three new cardigans in brown, black, and this super-soft white one with a pretty collar. No matter what the occasion, all of the times listed below are ones I’ve purchased and love wearing!
Last week I did a massive closet cleaning. I decided to discard anything I haven’t worn in two years unless it was a special occasion worthy. It was so freeing to remove dead weight in my closet. I feel like my clothes can breathe again. After I finished discarding, I made a list of things to add to my closet. I’ve had more client and business meetings as of late and knew I needed to revamp my work wardrobe (see this post and this post). Building a capsule wardrobe for the season makes it easy to grab and go when you are in a hurry. I added cotton shirts like this one from Hill House Home and these from Amazon. Then, a beautiful blazer is perfect for a meeting over coffee. Finally, adding some basics like dress shorts, a new pair of jeans, and don’t forget a few pairs of shoes.
Statement collars are here for the Fall and I’m so happy about it. It’s an instant way to give character to an otherwise basic blouse. I’ve rounded up a whole bunch of options below but really love this rich brown eyelet top. I plan to pair it with a pair of overalls for a fall activity like apple or pumpkin picking. For a dressier look or work outfit, I plan to pair it with skinny black pants. Today I decided to wear it with a pair of curvy white jeans as we transition from Summer to Fall with an olive green purse and woven pumps. As we get into the heart of the season I'll be switching it up with deeper tones. Even though it’s not really cool here yet, I can still get in the fall mood by adding autumn colors like burnt orange, mustard, olive and walnut. As the season gets colder I’ll start layering trench coats, sweaters, jackets, over-the-knee boots and rain boots.
With all the hype of kids going back to school, it’s the perfect time to grab a pair of new sneakers. I try to refresh my athleisure twice a year (usually Spring and Fall) discarding anything worn or that no longer fits and adding in a few new pieces. Recently I bought a few things to include new leggings (same fit as the ones you are seeing in this pic just in a powder light pink), sneakers, and this adorable top from my friends over at Off the Grid. Sneakers are something you want to change out as soon as they start getting worn. Your feet are imperative as vehicles to get around and worn shoes lead to backaches and injuries. I love the look of these old-school New Balance ones. In fact, I had the same pair in college and wore them until they were no longer in good condition.
As we transition to the end of the summer I’m already reaching for new items that will carry me into the Fall. Dresses are hands down the easiest item for me to throw on and change out my accessories to fit the season. Since I live in Texas, I have to still dress to combat high temperatures until mid-October when it finally starts to cool off. I find lightweight cotton blends in pretty shades of mustard, sage, cinnamon, olive, and chestnut are gorgeous this time of year. Right now I’m pairing them with brown leather slides and straw totes. However, as we move into the cooler days I’ll pair with boots and a floppy hat for more of a Fall feel. Here are a few of my favorite dresses you can grab on Amazon for under $35.
Let’s go ahead and just start with how this post can benefit everyone. I mean EVERYONE right now. Whether you want to admit it or not COVID-19 forever changed us and being stuck inside all the time is rough. Currently, I work from home and homeschool my child with virtual learning. By the end of the week my routines feel monotonous and I have an itch to go explore. For most of this past year I’ve taken day trips to surrounding areas like antique shopping or exploring near by honey and lavender farms. Every time I get a chance to leave I come back feeling renewed. I gain inspiration that carries me through the coming days and weeks. My soul literally feels more joy. Last weekend my daughter and I took a trip to Cedar Park on the north side of Austin. Our activities included being mostly outside and socially distant. At the end of the weekend she said this hike in St. Edwards Park was the best thing we did. Whether you face nature alone or take your loved ones, getting a little lost in nature is often times the refresher we all need to get us through the stressful times.
This weekend was one of those magical moments I’ll remember for the rest of my life. Just filled with the best weather, activities, rest and joy. I believe in perfect timing in life. There is a time for everything. Sometimes we have periods of rough roads while other times are smooth sailing. This weekend was smooth sailing. A few years ago I noticed on my drives from Houston to College Station there was a little farm right outside of Navasota, TX. Usually I was traveling for overnight trips and had my dog with me so I never made the stop. Now that I live in College Station I decided to take a day trip out to the Honey Farm and check it out.
I awoke this morning and the air was crisp and chilly. It felt so good to step onto my patio and feel a cool breeze sweep through. Texas is oftentimes cold in the morning and then warms up in the afternoons. For both Spring and Fall I like to layer jackets over tee shirts and tank tops so I can remove during the warm parts of the day. Three of my favorite pieces for Fall are included in today’s outfit - a simple neutral blazer, a pair of loafers and mom jeans. These pieces can be worn separately or together for the perfect fall outfit.
One of my favorite ways to welcome the changing of the seasons is to create a beautiful tablescape. I’ve always been the one in my family to set the table for holiday dinners. I love mixing and matching textures to create a beautiful visual for the whole household to enjoy. Layering different textures and shapes is a fun and creative way to transition your home into the new season. Today I’ll share with you guys how I created this beautiful Autumn inspired Fairytale pumpkin tablespace!
What a week already! Loved getting to shop lots of Amazon Favorites this week for Prime Day Big Deals and looking forward to beginning my holiday season shopping. Have you already started rounding things up for Christmas? I’ll be curating a Holiday Shop this season so stay tuned for updates and make sure you are subscribed to my newsletter! You’ll be the first to know all the best deals and finds. Today I’m sharing a new brand I’ve been working with called Zesica! I have several pieces like this coral henley top, this adorable comfy oversized two-toned sweatshirt, and this striped sweater that is my favorite stripe sweater so far this season.