Earlier this year I experienced the ending of a very very long relationship. I’m here to tell you that no matter how bad the relationship gets, the break up is not an easy path. Especially if you’ve intertwined your lives by moving in together, getting married or having a child together. I believe there is a mourning period for the end of anything in life no matter how joyful the ultimate outcome is. You can know in your mind and soul that ending the relationship is the best thing for yourself, but actually going through the breakup itself takes time to heal. The thing is, you had a life with this person and dreams and hopes. When a major relationship ends, those dreams end. The life you thought you had will never be that way and the hope for the relationship to improve ends, too. As I’ve watched many friends and famous relationships break up during COVID-19 I realized this is a topic that many could benefit from reading.
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Every Fall and Spring my daughter and I make it a point to get out of the house and go for a picnic. We’ve been doing this for years at this point and it just never gets old. We’ve spent holidays like Mother’s Day on a picnic and then sometimes just go on a whim to enjoy the scenery around us. The weather in Texas is always hot. Well, at least 3/4 of the year so when weather cools down enough, we take advantage of everything nature has to offer. About a week ago we decided to pack up at golden hour and have our dinner outdoors. There were ducks swimming just feet away from us and the whole scene felt like we were in a storybook. Making memories like that with her fills my heart so much! When was the last time you had a picnic? Believe it or not they are really easy to throw together!
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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.
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The past few years have been a mental battle for me. In many ways I’ve experienced long jumps of improvements. A few weeks ago though an incident happened in my life that left me ruminating in worry. After examining the cause of what was happening and then working towards a solution I thought to myself, I can’t be the only person going through this. Have you ever felt bombarded by doubt, confusion or worry? Bombarded to the point that it takes away from your everyday joy? Well, I’m not one to just sit around and stay in a negative place so I talked to my therapist, a few of my mentors and then I rolled up my sleeves and got to work on impacting this immediately. The worst thing I could do was continue to let worry creep over daily thoughts, right? I can firmly say that after implementing a few small changes that had a HUGE impact - I’m feeling joyful and excited with a weight lifted off my shoulders. Here are a few recommendations on what to do when you’re mentally bombarded.
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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!
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Last week I attended a virtual yoga class and something incredible was said to me as we prepared to begin the session, Fall is a time for shedding things that no longer serve you. A time to discard baggage so you can bloom in the Spring. I realized in that moment I’ve been carrying a few emotional things for far too long and it was time to let them go. I believe the change of the seasons is a chance for us to develop and grow into higher versions of ourselves. Fall is when leaves drop and turn into warm golden tones. Fall is when the days shift to cooler and shorter. It’s a time to start moving indoors and harvest for the Winter. As I look to nature to draw inspiration I am reminded that Fall is also the time to evaluate what I need to clear out of my life to make room for growth in the future.
Read MoreI’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.
Read MoreTransformation 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.
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Last Spring I started gardening again. I attempted gardening a few years back on my patio and the result was a graveyard of 18 massacred plants including french lavender, aloe (two aloes) and many forms of cactus. I thought I sucked at gardening and vowed to not attempt again. Right after COVID-19 hit I ended up in a very transitional place. I stayed at a friend’s home and took care of their garden for a few months while they were out of state. COVID-19 changed my life plans just as I know it did for many of you. My friend’s home gave me the space to take my time and figure it out. After years of subscribing to Martha Stewart Living and pouring over articles about roses, gardens and how to tend to soil I started putting into practice what I learned. When I left there in July I had successfully made two climbing roses bloom that hadn’t in two years and another five bushes bloom. I grew morning glories and ivy from seeds, cultivated gladiolus, lilies and hibiscus. For someone who just a few years prior killed even aloe, this was a massive success. Then, it hit me… if I can make a garden bloom with consistent watering and consistent attention… I could make my life bloom, too.
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The title and location of this post is fitting for where I stand right now in life. I’m in between to eras of my life leaving tons of room for growth and opportunity while discarding situations that no longer serve my purpose in life. Being under construction is interesting to say the least - kind of demmoralizing when you are building and revamping a new life. Are any of you in the same place? Not quite moved into your new life, but you’ve left the old one? If so, then read on my friends! Here are a few ways I handling the transitional phase.
Read MoreI 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?
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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 :)
Read MoreOne of my dearest friends works with an online shopping cart with only non-toxic products. Over the past six months I’ve tried their hair care line called Sei Bella. Specifically I’ve fallen in love with their leave in heat treatment, mousse and hair oil to repair. My hair is shiny, healthy and continues to grow rapidly. I love the way the products do not feel sticky or greasy. I’ve been using their mousse on days I want to let my hair go naturally curly. I was impressed by it’s all day hold since I live in a really humid climate.
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As we approach the last week of Spring and enter the beginning of Summer I like to take a quick inventory of my beauty cabinet to make sure I’m stocked up on the things I’ll need to keep my skin healthy. One thing I’ve learned over the course of my beauty journey is to address problems quickly. If I see my skin needs more hydration or protection from a bright atmosphere - I’ll definitely stock up in advance on spf and moisturizer. Today I’m going to share a few tips for customizing a summer skincare regimen made just for you.
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Did you know that your skin sheds cells once every five days? If you do remove the dead skin cells off your face every five days your skin becomes dull over time and this leads to aging and acne. Exfoliating doesn’t have to be a big deal - just throw on a mask while you are making coffee or folding a load of laundry. But the importance of a regular exfoliation regimen is a BIG DEAL. Clear skin, healthy glowing skin requires maintain with and upkeep. Let’s chat about a few ways exfoliation helps your skin.
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Staying at home means everyday meals are an opportunity to create a little magic. Having extra time on my hands has done some amazing things to the soul! How about you? Are you feeling inspired these days? Lately, I take time to do things with a little more effort instead of my normal rushing through life a million miles a minute. It’s been refreshing for my creative side! Dinner became an heirloom tomato tart on puff pastry al fresco. I’ve even started getting dolled up for dinner at home like they used to in the 1800’s. Taking major cues from southern France’s culture!
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Let’s start with story time today… back when I was a little girl we lived in Lawton/Ft. Sill, Oklahoma. Most of you have little idea where the heck that is and for good reason. We lived on an artillery base. So if you weren’t into those sorts of things or part of the military it’s unlikely you would know about it’s location. I spent the formative latter years of elementary school there. Summers felt like gusts blowing from a constant furnace across your cheeks in the blistering dry heat and Winters were filled with all of the fun of building a snowman.
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Oh my dear - are we all in for a treat of ambiguity on the daily. I don’t know about you, but I am itching to go places. Travel is one of the things I work hard for, and right now that’s limited. I have been anxiously practicing social distancing as if going to the grocery store was human dodgeball, but my soul still loves to wander. What’s a girl to do?
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Our world shifted and shifted fast a few weeks ago. It dawned on me that this shift is creating what we might call a new horizon. While we are all boarded up practicing sheltering-in-place, I thought it would be an incredible opportunity to address topics like self worth, confidence building, empowering others, anxiety and overcoming fear. With uncertainty compounding daily, I aim to offer an outlet for those of you who are looking for coping techniques and support during these unexpected times.
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