Meet my favorite pair of jeans. I grabbed these babies two years ago and this still proves to be the jeans I reach for the most for almost any occasion. They have the perfect high-waist. They are just fitted enough so they don’t look frumpy. They have a relaxed boyfriend fit and are the perfect length for my small frame. They come in both petite and regular. I decided after loving them so much I’d grab them in a lighter wash and white (which are both on MAJOR sale). I also recently picked up these from Madewell to wear with heels for a more dressy occasion. After testing negative for Covid this week, I decided it was time to celebrate with the kiddo at dinner at one of our favorite Italian restaurants Paolo’s! I paired them with a soft cardigan from Amazon and eyelash embellished tank I picked up recently from Nordstrom Rack. Leopard printed heels added the perfect touch for a casual glam look!
Read MoreOver the past few months I’ve gone hiking almost every single weekend. I love the feeling of getting outdoors and pushing my body! Although I live in a somewhat flat terrain in College Station, TX I’ve found with traveling a few hours away I can get a completely different geographical setting. This post includes a mix of day hikes, aggressive backpacking and camping ideas for Fall travels. If you are looking for something laid back and shaded I would try Davy Crockett National Forest or Mission Tejas State Park where the El Camino Real begins and dates back to the late 1600’s when the Spanish settled in Texas. For more aggressive hikes try Lost Maples State Natural Area or Goodwater Loop and Trail which both offer stepper terrain! For a waterfall sighting Crockett Gardens in Goodwater Loop and Trail along with Riverplace Nature Trail in Austin both offer a pretty sighting. Below you will find a list and photographs of actual travels over the past few months designed to restore your love for nature in Texas!
Read MoreOver the past few months I’ve gone hiking almost every single weekend. I love the feeling of getting outdoors and pushing my body! Although I live in a somewhat flat terrain in College Station, TX I’ve found with traveling a few hours away I can get a completely different geographical setting. This post includes a mix of day hikes, aggressive backpacking and camping ideas for Fall travels. If you are looking for something laid back and shaded I would try Davy Crockett National Forest or Mission Tejas State Park where the El Camino Real begins and dates back to the late 1600’s when the Spanish settled in Texas. For more aggressive hikes try Lost Maples State Natural Area or Goodwater Loop and Trail which both offer stepper terrain! For a waterfall sighting Crockett Gardens in Goodwater Loop and Trail along with Riverplace Nature Trail in Austin both offer a pretty sighting. Below you will find a list and photographs of actual travels over the past few months designed to restore your love for nature in Texas!
Read MoreWhether you work from home or have returned to the office, mental health concerns are still on the rise. Things are just different than they were pre COVID. There’s no denying we live in a different world than two years ago. However, no matter what shape things are in, we can still find ways to connect with our coworkers, create a space and environment we love working in, and enjoy our time doing the things that pay the bills. Although I am a work-from-home employee, in recent months my company has been pushing more face-to-face meetings and company events. Our home office employees have returned as have many of my friends. In a very uncertain time, I find it’s best to stay positive and realistic. Understanding that things are going to remain dynamic as we continue to navigate a pandemic and just take it one day at a time because nothing is set in stone. Here are a few ways I’m managing my sanity as I go back to see people face to face.
Read MoreThis 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!
Read MoreI’ll be the first to tell you that I’ve never been drawn to the shades of black in my wardrobe… that is until now. Usually you’ll find me in every single color under the sun but when it comes to basic black I’ve steered away. Lately, the opposite has been true. Maybe it’s because I am in my late 30’s (weird to say at 36). Maybe it’s just finally grown on me after all of these years. Maybe I’m just itching for another trip to Europe and pre-planning a classic capsule wardrobe (I happened to wear alot of black the last time I went so I would mesh in Paris).
Read MoreNot sure when this happened but suddenly I’m attracted to the color green. From my recent rain boots and raincoat purchase to purses (like this one and this one), plus dresses and tops I’ve been all over varying shades of green. It’s such a soothing color and perfect for all seasons. I’ve been reaching for soft sages like this adorable skirt and classic puffy sleeve top for this season which will carry me into both Winter and Spring. I grabbed this purse which is available in black and white. Below are some of my favorite picks from sneakers to staple pieces!
Read MoreLet me tell you whenever you are in doubt, pull out a little black dress. It will always work! I went out with a few friends on Friday night to Elixir in the La Salle Hotel in Downtown Historic Bryan for drinks (mine choice a virgin Moscow mule) and dinner. I decided to pull out this dress and pair it with punch brights instead of going with my usual color palette. You just can’t go wrong with a little black dress and I love this one under $30! It’s the perfect length to still look flirty without being frumpy. It’s super soft and lightweight for our warm evenings. I grabbed a pair of high heels and my favorite hot pink purse adding on a swipe of matte pink lipstick and dangly earrings. I love this dress so much I grabbed it in a burnt orange you can see in this post! Below is a round-up of some of my favorite picks for little black dresses.
Read MoreFall is approaching next week and I’m here for it! I mentioned recently that we won’t get a true Fall for a few more months, but I am transitioning my color palette and textiles over to Autumn hues like burnt umber, walnut, olive, mustard, and sage. Recently, I’ve been drawn to shades of green and rich browns. If you live in a warm climate like me, you can get into the Fall spirit by incorporating short sleeve or sleeveless lightweight sweaters. I’ve also started updating my work wardrobe for in-person meetings as well as shoe choices to include short rain boots, mary janes, and textured pumps. Below is a quick round-up of my current favorite purchases on Amazon!
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I woke up this morning and stepped out on my back patio to feel the rush of the cool crisp air meet my face. Texas doesn’t get a true fall until about November but we do love our gentle mornings. I quickly made a cup of coffee and walked over to start journaling as I usually do. I felt so grateful in that moment. To be here, in my new house (for years I’ve lived in an apartment) sipping on coffee in sweat pants. It was surreal. Over this past year I’ve experienced a tremendous amount of growth. If I were to sit here and tell you all of the ways you would be astonished, but I am living proof that dreams can come true.
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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.
Read MoreThe world is coming back into motion and I have to tell you, I’m here for it! Yesterday I had to drive into Houston for a business meeting and I realized over the past few months I really needed to up my work wardrobe. After living in sweat pants and tank tops for what seems an eternity, it was finally time to grab a few new items for work events. So many offices are re-opening or moving to part-time staff working at the office. I figured many of you could also benefit from a few new work inspired items for your wardrobe, too.
Read MoreEvery Fall I make sure to do a quick inventory of my denim, corduroy, and pants so I have exactly what I need for the cooler months. This year I’ve been really leaning towards ankle flared jeans, straight legs, and a solid pair of tan corduroys. Denim really never goes out of style.
Read MoreWith 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.
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Wow! I’m not going to lie as I sit here and write early this morning I cannot believe I’m turning 36 years old in a few hours. Age is funny. I remember a few years back when I lacked purpose in life I felt old and withered. These days I feel like my life has just begun. I feel vibrant, alive, and excited when I rise each morning. I feel like tackling the day is a privilege, not a chore. Over the past two years, so much of my life changed and I’m here for it! I’m living proof that you should not give up on your dreams. Keep going, keep striving, keep doing the baby steps until you reach what you’re after.
Read MoreThe past few weeks I’ve been in a state of unpacking, organizing, and decorating my new home. I moved in about three weeks ago with a plan of action that unfolds more and more every day. I absolutely love getting to decorate and design spaces. In fact, I love it so much that’s what I went to college for! Funny how much I’ve used the degree in my regular life over the years. I’ve been sharing glimpses of the new place over on my Instagram (see this post and this post) but today I wanted to roll out a really simple idea for a blank wall or hallway on the blog!
Read MoreAs 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.
Read MoreAt 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.
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As we wind down with the second half of summer I felt like it was the perfect time to pull out some of my favorite white pieces. Being from the south, classic white cotton eyelet lace is a practical and pretty textile that’s easy to keep clean. Throw the item in the washer and line dry for the best results. White cotton pieces are worn time and time again throughout the years and my go to for getting dressed quickly. I’ve rounded up a ton of pieces below for you to shop ranging from high end to Amazon finds under $20. Whatever your budget is you can find quality pieces in your budget.
Read MoreA few weeks ago I stumbled across a documentary on Amazon Prime about being a highly sensitive person. I had no idea this was even a thing in life but immediately connected with the content. I am extremely sensitive to sunlight, overhead lights, and brightness. If a siren is sounding in the background, I struggle to concentrate on anything except the repetitive noise. After a social event, I feel completely wiped out and want to spend the next day doing my own thing in my environment. Does any of this sound familiar to you? This post may help! 15-20% of people and animals are classified as highly sensitive. They pick up on small details most would overlook and they have a heightened sense of taste, touch, hearing, sight, and smell. When they are bombarded by too many new experiences or strong things they end up feeling frazzled. Welp, that’s me!
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