Over the past six months, I’ve been taking collagen daily. Although I’ve personally seen results throughout the past few months it wasn’t until last week that I realized just how big of an impact it’s had on my overall physical health. From my hairdresser commenting on how thick the back of my hair has gotten to diminishing cellulite - I’m here as proof that this magic stuff really works. A few months ago I wrote a blog post on the benefits of collagen. You can check it out here for an introduction to what it is and a few benefits. Today I’d like to focus on how it’s specifically impacted me and my own results. Here are three ways my body has transformed since I started taking collagen.
Read MoreIf there’s one city you know you will be worn out when you leave it, it’s Las Vegas, Nevada. Oh my goodness! I haven’t been there in a couple of years and let me tell you… this thirty-eight-year-old came back wiped out. The funny part is I just got back from round two and haven’t posted about either trip.
Over the past two months, I attended a couple of conferences. I was lucky enough to get a little time while I was out there to grab dinner and sightseeing. I had amazing lunch at Mon Ami Gabi and dinner at the Cafe Americano in the Paris. I stayed at the MGM Signature Grand which had suites for rooms and a giant jacuzzi tub in which I added the most amazing bath tea bag and fuzzies to it from the adorable shop downstairs.
Read MoreI have to tell you this time of year is always so exciting but equally tough with a constant rotation of events! Showers are no exception. Whether you are attending a baby or bridal shower there’s no lack of things to do that require a lovely dress. A new to me brand that I’ve been loving these past few months is Shoshanna. Each piece is made with the most beautiful fabric and fits like a glove! I love this adorable daisy printed dress worn in today’s post. I paired it with my sky-high Jay 100 Pump Sarah Flint heels and a statement necklace to bring out the turquoise in the dress. You can save $50 when you use my link. One of the good things about having a few dresses on hand is being able to grab and go quickly without a lot of thinking. Swap out shoes and accessories depending on the season and occasion. I could easily wear this same dress with a pair of sandals and a straw bag instead. You can shop a bunch of my favorites Spring items below.
Read MoreIf you missed my first post in this How to Blog series I talked about five ways you can make money on your blog. You can read that post here, and today I’m continuing the series to share more tips and tricks with you. A key element for any blog is photography. Whether you are snapping pictures of food for recipes creating or you work in the tech world and are delivering copy on wide area networks you still need pictures for your posts! There are a few reasons - first, it helps optimize your page when you add alt text behind graphics. That allows search engines like Google and Pinterest to find your blog. Spiders will crawl your page to look for strings of keywords that are relevant searches, but images help boost your visibility!
Read MoreIt’s finally Spring and I’m so happy about it! We’ve had such pretty weather over this past weekend it really got me excited about the next few weeks. On top of the sunshine, early Spring wildflowers are beginning to bloom. I decided it was time to put together a Spring capsule wardrobe. I’ve recently picked up a few basics and neutrals from Amazon that I wanted to share with you! Each piece fits like a glove and is made with incredible quality. Check out all my favorite finds below!
Read MoreYou have no idea how happy I am that it’s Spring! The next six months are my favorite part of the year. I live for swimsuit weather, and we are so lucky to get warm weather early here in Texas! Since we are officially in the spring season I am busting out all things white in my closet. I recently picked up these incredible pants from Target (I’m wearing a kids 14-16 an XL which is an XS in adults). If you normally wear a medium and have shorter legs you could easily wear the next size up! They are the best pants. They have a built-in lining and they are the most breathable cotton. I paired them with a favorite top I grabbed recently from Hill House home on major sale and my new white Senreve bag. I bought this back as a celebration of being alcohol-free for 3 years! You have to celebrate life victories! To add a few finishing touches I grabbed a pair of the most comfortable platform sandals and a cardigan for chilly air conditioning or evenings.
Read MoreI spent the weekend resting, relaxing, and playing. The past month of my life was a whirlwind. My role at my job changed, a trip mid-month for a work conference in Vegas took place, and then when I returned it was a non-stop follow up from the trip. I worked twelve days straight without taking even an evening to myself. It was absolutely necessary, but at the beginning of last week, I started to feel really heavy. I dreaded Monday morning and felt like I had zero time to decompress. That was it for me. I knew it was time to take a break. It was suggested I take a full day off and just do what makes me happy, so I did just that. It can be a HUGE challenge to work full-time and run a blog and a business on social media. Although I’ve been doing all three for years, this month was particularly tough. I struggled to bounce back with energy. One thing I have learned about life is that I am the only one responsible for my life. If I want to live a life with clarity and calm I have to create that environment. I also know that I am prone to maxing myself out. Here are a few things I’ve learned about the necessity of rest and play.
Read MoreI am so glad it’s finally Spring! The past few months have been incredible, but nothing is better than fresh blooming flowers and a beautiful breezy cool night. I love this time of year so much! During the daytime in Texas the temperatures rise enough most days so you can get away with a dress and sandals. Come nightfall, you’ll need a lightweight jacket or white blazer to stay warm. I have been eyeing this one from The Drop that’s under $80! I already own it in tan and think the white will be perfect for this time of year! You can wear it over dresses or layer over a button-up with jeans or shorts. It’s one of the most versatile options!
Read MoreIt’s that time of year! Finally, Texas bluebonnet season. If you’ve never been to Texas during this time of year then it’s time for you to plan your next trip! In late March and early Spring, the entire state becomes alive with wildflowers. Specifically, the Texas Bluebonnet which is our state flower. For years, my family flocked to find the best fields for photographs. It’s perfect for bridal pictures, senior college or high school pictures, family portraits, and of course, blog photos! I decided to round up a list of some of the top locations to find these bluebonnet fields!
Read MoreSince we all finally made it to Spring, I am pulling out all the best florals! I love the landscape this time of year in Texas with all of the wildflowers and infamous Bluebonnets are in bloom. I usually transfer that inspiration over into my wardrobe. From statement earrings in the shape of flowers to embellished handbags, you can add a touch of florals without being overkill. The dress I featured below is Hunter Bell NYC. It’s made of the thinnest (without being see-through) material that is perfect for layering this time of year. I actually wore this to a women’s luncheon and received a ton of compliments on it. I grabbed this old clutch I love and my favorite classic Sarah Flint pumps (save $50 here)! The look was effortless and glam at the same time! I put together a list below of some of my favorite floral pieces you can shop for! The price points start at under $50 and also include luxury options!
Read MoreIf you are looking for your next Texas vacation then you need to check out Port Aransas! Nestled on the Texas Gulf Coast between Galveston and N Padre Island is the charming island and beach town called Port Aransas. Filled with pastel shops, stores, and restaurants this makes the perfect family vacation! I spent a couple of days here and put together a weekend guide for you guys! From Instagram spots to a restaurant that has presidential history, here is a guide to spending the weekend in Port Aransas and the neighboring city Corpus Christi.
Read MoreI shared a little last week in this post about my trip to South Padre Island. This is the perfect Spring Break location if you are looking for a tropical paradise in Texas. The water is incredible, the beaches are soft with rolling sand dunes and the island is filled with turtles, birds, dolphins, and other wildlife. It’s a welcomed oasis in South Texas. While I was on the island I drove over the bridge to Port Isabel where one of the most beautiful lighthouses on the gulf coast resides. The lighthouse sits in the middle of Port Isabel’s town square with a multitude of shops and restaurants. The lighthouse is open to tour so make sure you check their website for hours and cost for admission. Since I knew I’d be walking a lot that day I pulled out my favorite pair of flats!
Read MoreDid you know that the most popular post I’ve done in 10 years was how to wear converse sneakers if you’re petite! Month after month that single post gets more views than any other piece of content. I figured it was long overdue to share a follow-up to that post with how to wear converse sneakers with a dress. Because… spring is coming! Today I’m going to give tips for anybody's height or shape! These are pretty universal and perfect for getting organized for Spring Break this year. Here are a few ways tips for how to wear converse sneakers with a dress.
Read MoreI cannot believe Spring Break will be here in just a few weeks! One of the top destinations in Texas this time of year is the same location featured in today’s post: South Padre Island! The whole area will be covered in young adults, parties, and tourists. I opted for quieter adventures and drove down last month for MLK weekend. Although it was a little chilly at times, it was the perfect getaway for a long weekend. I brought a bunch of dresses to shoot while I was there, but made it over to the sand dunes on the northside of the island. I wore the cutest swimsuit from Target! It comes in several colors and I’ve been loving this lilac shade. I paired it with a sweatshirt bought one of the local souvenir shops and a pair of sweater shorts. I went ahead and rounded up five swimsuits under $50 from Target for you to shop!
Read MoreA few years ago whenever I looked in the mirror I saw someone who was a failure. I talked to her that way, too. I’d say things like, “You are not getting things right today.” Or “This isn’t your day.”
I began avoiding mirrors. I saw every single flaw in myself every single day. Then, one day a mentor of mine told me to say one positive thing for every negative thing I said.
Looking back, what I was going through was depression. I was so tired every day. I was angry at how life turned out and I felt like everything was my fault. Depression is a lot of work to manage. It’s a level of fatigue that makes taking a shower feel like an Olympic sport. But I kept going. Each time I said something crappy to myself, I stop and say something positive.
Read MoreThe past few months I’ve traveled back and forth to Dallas often. It’s an area I haven’t spent a ton of time in the past and I’ve really enjoyed getting to see the different parts of the city. Recently I decided to make it a point to stop by the Dallas Arboretum. The day I chose to go it actually snowed on me a while I was walking around. This garden is known for being one of the most photographic spots in the city. Each year the grounds are covered in flowers and blooms all Spring long. You will need to purchase a ticket online in advance and make sure you also purchase parking. You’ll pick an arrival time and you are encouraged to bring a picnic and spend a few hours there. I cannot wait to make a second trip over the Spring and share more about it with you guys!
Read MoreThis week has already started with a crazy change in my life. Sometimes change is expected and sometimes it hits you like a freight train. This week, it was the freight train for me. The one thing I’ve come to realize as I grow older is that change is inevitable. Nothing in life is static and the key to inner peace and happiness is being able to go within yourself instead of depending on your exterior circumstances. Relationships dissolve sometimes, companies make directional changes, and new opportunities will present themselves. The best thing you can possibly do for yourself is to take care of yourself. Here are a few ways I’ve found navigating change to be more digestible in life.
Read MoreIt’s approaching that time of year in Texas when the thunderstorms will be rolling in regularly. Late Winter and Early Spring include weather that fluctuates on an hourly basis sometimes. Having a raincoat and boots handy for those drizzly mornings or evenings makes leaving the house that much more enjoyable. I find that rain gear is something I don’t think about needing until the moment I really need it. And then it’s like I needed it yesterday. This is your sign to do a quick inventory in your household and make sure you have working umbrellas, rain jackets, and boots ready for those March, April, and May showers. Open each umbrella to make sure it’s operable and then discard or donate items that no longer fit or have been damaged. Trust me on this, you’re much more likely to be productive if you don’t have to fight the weather while doing so. A few other things I like to have on hand for rainy days include extra hair ties or a headband, mousse to keep frizzies at bay, and a setting spray for my makeup. It’s the little things in life that can help increase the quality of every day.
Read MoreFor years I tried on different lifestyles trying to figure out which one was mine. I tried being the housewife, the adventurer, the breadwinner, the holistic momma, the corporate go-getter, and much more. I needed to go through an elimination process to figure out what I wasn’t before defining what I would be. I think that’s okay. Not all of us come out of the womb knowing our life path. Four years ago I began a journey of self-discovery. I spent more time alone than I ever have to learn about myself, other people, noting what I liked and disliked. I explored destinations alone and reflected in a new journal every month. Pages upon pages were written trying to connect the dots of who I used to be to who I am now. I am told that only a small percentage of people are self-aware. I yearned to be a part of that group. The more I discovered about myself the more I became intentional in my choices resulting in more peace and joy than I knew before. If you are at a similar place in life where you just ache to be more of who you are here are a few things that might help.
Read MoreAfter a really long week and working from home, I threw on an outfit to head out on Friday early evening. We’ve been under a Winter Storm watch all week so I knew I’d have to get home pretty early but a few hours out was better than being cooped up all weekend. I decided to throw on one of my cozy sweaters. This baby is a steal! I’ve worn it recently with this silky skirt in this post for a dressier look. I paired it with my favorite vintage low-cut western boots from Feather’s Boutique in Austin, TX. I’ve been going there for over 15 years and always come out with something in hand. They have an online shop with a curated selection but if you are in the area I recommend stopping by! It’s incredible. You can grab a bite to eat afterward at Guero’s - another favorite of mine! A few months ago I ordered this top-rated pink suede hat on Amazon. It came packaged with a hat mold for storage and is really good quality. These Levi jeans were another buy on Amazon. They are the perfect fit for someone who is looking for a straight leg cut with a defined waist. Hope you guys are having an awesome Sunday!
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