I recently shared this topic on a Facebook live for International Women’s Day and thought about how impactful the advice I would give to my younger self may have on others! Although there are many things I wish I knew at an earlier age but looking back the biggest thing I would have changed was learning to trust my gut. To just block out all of the white noise around me and listen to my inner voice. I also wish I had implemented a skincare regimen much earlier and taken better care of things like my teeth. But as we all live and learn, the list of self advice continues to grow. Here are five things I wish I could tell my 20-year-old self:

Since I was a little girl books provided me an escape. We moved a lot growing up because my dad was in the military and spent tons of time in transit. I remember being six years old and when we arrived in Germany we had three tv channels that spoke English. Similarly when I was in High School we moved to Asia and there was limited tv. My sister and I grew up playing countless hours of board games and dolls together but when we were exhausted from that I would sneak of to my room and pull out a good book. Hard back binding and crisp pages with printed lettering took me away from the concrete walls of military housing and provided an outlet for my imagination. To this day, whenever I feel lost or down I pull out my favorite books and am instantly transported out of my current environment.

Hopefully we will be back to warmer weather here soon, but as I see the forecast constantly fluctuate - having a few items that add extra warmth seems pretty wise these days. Here are few tips for layering in the cold weather when you are living in the South!

Spring is about a month away and I’m itching for this time of year. I love the color of the flowers that bloom and come out of hiding after a barren bleak Winter. As we move into the transition between Spring and Winter I try to refresh my closet with a few new added pieces. This season I’m adding touches of woven raffia (like the slides from Wal-mart featured here) and patchwork (this skirt is a total steal from Amazon). As I look to high end designers like Zimmerman, Etro and LoveShackFancy I see their inventory is flooded with mix and match prints. I love taking inspiration from luxury fashion and incorporating those themes into a budget friendly wardrobe.

A few years ago I decided to stop letting fear get in the way of living. It takes a moment to moment approach but when you are doing something that requires bravery you don’t feel brave. You feel nervous, your heart races, and your chest may tighten. But as you move through each moment it begins to be bearable. Maybe your fear is public speaking. Maybe your fear is putting yourself out there on social media. Maybe your fear is standing up to someone in your family or at your job. Whatever the fear is, you can get through it. It won’t be easy, but the easy things don’t bring fulfillment. It’s through the hard lessons our character develops and our faith is strengthened.

I’ve shared so much lately about bringing joy into my own life. One of the things that was the toughest to go through when I was experience panic attacks a few years back was being happy. In fact, I felt the opposite of happy most of the time during that era of my life. Each day I try to do at least one activity that raises my joy level. Sometimes it’s painting with acrylics while watching The Crown. Other times you’ll find my daughter and I dancing around the house after she gets a high grade on her school work. Being happy is a choice and I can’t think of a better way to move towards joy than incorporating a little play time.

We are few weeks away from Valentine’s Day which is the PERFECT time to start browsing gift ideas! With so many businesses online now, it’s a deal to get things knocked out sooner than later. Giving the gift of clean beauty is the perfect way to show someone you love how much you care! Pretty much anyone (no matter what the age) can benefit from skincare that is proven to help produce a healthier face! I’m rounding up a few of my favorite products like our masks, new cleansing balm and lipsticks that are perfect to give the special someone in your life.

We are already two weeks into 2021 and I don’t know about you, but I’ve found time outdoors is time well spent. Last weekend College Station and a large portion of Central and South East Texas experienced a snow storm. It was odd, but welcomed following a bleak week of political events earlier that week. Social media was soon flooded with pictures of snowmen, snow angels, families getting outdoors and kids having snowball fights. It was one of the most refreshing experiences and I have to tell you it was much needed for all of us.

Yesterday we had a ton of snow in a winter storm here in Texas. After spending the day playing in all of the flurries I realized my skin needed some extra care and love. I have extremely sensitive and reactive skin. It usually requires attention if I travel to a new environment, make a change in what I eat or experience weather changes. Winter usually brings a drop in temperature and a drop in humidity. I noticed over the past few months my skin has been a little on the dry side. Here are the products I am using in my skincare routine to help combat snow, rain, sleet and dry weather for a clear and health complexion.

“‘Tis the Damn Season…” says Taylor Swift. If there were ever a song line to relate to that would be the one for Holiday Season 2020. That’s exactly what I thought when Christmas started getting closer. It would be the first in four years that I wouldn’t have my kiddo with me. My heart hurt. However, I have a responsibility to myself and those around me to not sit in pain but instead find joy. Joy in all moments. I figured out this year that joy can come in so many forms if you are willing to seek it out. So I went searching for it instead of sitting home on my couch moping. (I’ve done my fair share of moping for one lifetime and don’t want to go back to being that way.) I wrote about what happens when you let go in your life earlier this week and I’m letting go of all of the fear, sadness and past pain so I have tons of room for peace and joy. If you are also at this crossroad where you are just tired of being sick and tired… then read on.

Over the past few weeks I’ve made a major shift in what I eat to include going grain-free. As I’ve mentioned her on the blog I am anxiety prone. Not just a little anxiety, I’ve been diagnosed with full blown panic disorder. These days I rarely get a panic attack, however that is only due to a consistent self-care regimen, therapy and lots of rest. I also practice mindfulness which has made a huge impact on how I process information and worry less. Practicing joy is another intentional element in my life and as we’ve had shorter days I find myself inside more than ever and with that came baking! Baking has been a pastime of mine over the years beginning with vacations at my grandma’s house when I was little. I loved spending hours with her making our family banana bread, cookies and cream puffs. While some of the other kiddos in the family were impatient at a young age, I found I got more attention from her if I baked and therefore spent tons of time doing so. Before you knew it I picked up a lot of information and realized just how much I absolutely love baking!

This morning launched a 24 hour sale bringing back several of the holiday beauty bundles I’ve been sharing with you all her on the blog and on social media. Some of my favorite simple beauty staples are on sale until tomorrow morning to include concealer, prime and set powder (brand new), liquid shadows (seen above), liquid matte lipsticks, skincare masks and so much more. You can shop the entire sale here!

I spent this weekend nestled up reading books and baking delicious sugar cookies for the holidays. I love this time of year and try to fully immerse myself in as many festive activities as possible. Although this year is already looking different than last - no large holiday parties or gatherings, I’m determined to make it count. I’ve been adding little touches all over the home to bring a cheerful atmosphere no matter how cold it is outside. From sequin embellished pillows to colorful tiny bottle brush trees the space is filled from ceiling to floors in sweet holiday decor. You can have a beautiful home no matter what your budget may be if you are thoughtful and creative. Surprisingly many of the little trees I’ve picked up over the years were found at dollar stores or discount stores. Keep your eyes open and look at new ways to use items.