Over 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 MoreAfter being down and out for a week I’m easing back into the swing of things! I spent the weekend giving myself a little rest and recovery after coming down with a case of Covid-19 but I’m happy to share that things have improved! Although I am not back to full capacity, I was able to get a bunch of work done today and feel like a much better woman. I ordered this adorable pair of mary janes in a pretty cranberry color and this velvet black. I have to say, if there’s only one shoe to purchase right now this is it! Plus, it’s at a ridiculous price point. Oh, and did I mention super comfy? Yes, you’re welcome. I paired it with the softest leggings and a classic baby doll tunic for a really simple Monday look. You can shop more of my favorites on my Amazon Shop here!
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 MoreLast 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.
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 MoreOver the summer I had the pleasure of visiting beautiful Vicksburg, Mississippi. This historic town offered the best weekend getaway and if you are looking for a lovely place to stay in the South, I highly recommend a brief trip. Nestled along the Mississippi River there is plenty to see and do for a few days. I loved how much history took place here to include the European exploration and Civil War events. There is so much culture to soak in while you stay and overall one of my top cities to travel to in the past few years. Below you will find few of my favorite spots including where to stay, what to eat and things to see while you are there.
Read MoreSome nights have to be documented. Last week my daughter made all A’s on her first middle school report card and I couldn’t be happier for her! I believe moments like this should be celebrated and so off we went to dinner for a special treat. Golden hour was exquisite so we stopped on the way to grab a few photographs. Over the years, I’ve had the joy of working with photographers, friends, and family to help me take photographs on the blog but my favorite person to work with is my kiddo. She’s developed such a skill set through time and these are some of her best work! I believe if you put in hard work and focus time and time again you’ll find that skill is built over time. Whether it’s good grades, or it’s a series of photographs, repetition increases the ability to get it right.
Read MoreA long walk is just what I need at the end of stressful days. I believe walks at sunset are one of the easiest and quickest ways to connect with your inner self and admire the beauty of the world we live in. After hours of being connected to my phone and computer - getting the chance to disconnect from techonology and reconnnect with nature helps soothe anxiety. Fall is my favorite season for sunset walks. The air is crisper, the breeze is cooler and the earth lights up with strands of gold grass and leaves. It’s truly a magical season and evening walks light up my soul.
Read MoreStatement 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.
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 MoreOne of my favorite things about Fall is getting to pile on layers! Recently I refreshed some of my rain gear to include a lightweight olive rain jacket that can be worn over a sweater or layered with a long sleeve shirt. The price point was incredible and the cut is so flattering! Having a cinched waist gives a feminine shape to the jacket without a lot of bulk. Although I love my Hunter rain boots (I have a tan pair of the original tall and then a patent red version of the huntress) I decided to opt for a shorter boot this season. Again, going with an olive green I picked these up from Amazon. After walking around for an hour in them as a test run I was surprised by how comfortable they are! You can shop both my jacket and boots as well as a bunch of other chic options below to brighten gloomy days!
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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.
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.
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