Resurfacing in Life

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

At the beginning of 2020 I chose the word explode for my year. When I selected that word I thought it would be my business that would explode. Little did I know God had bigger plans than that. Every single area of my life ended up changing - mentally, physically, emotionally, my home, my work, my parenting. All the energy from the past few years I put forth came together to form this new life I have now. I am obsessively grateful for where I am today, but I’ll never forget where I came from. I believe that are moments of struggle are tests of faith. As we move through those dark valleys with faith and hope we are able to make it to the other side where the blessing lie. My life is a living testimony of that. It didn’t explode until I pushed through the pain. It didn’t reap the blessings without the sacrifice.

Weekend Afternoon at the Lavender Farm

I’m a sucker for farms. There’s nothing more heavenly to me than driving out to the countryside and learning about various plants and produce. I’ve visited a variety of places over the years like picking out pumpkins at the pumpkin patch and winding through a corn maze at Barton Hills Farm. Grabbing honey at Bee Weaver Farm just a few weeks ago. I’m at heart an outdoor person and Fall in Texas is always a good time to enjoy activities like picnics and wandering aimlessly through nature. This particular Saturday I hopped over to Chappell Hill to visit their lavender fields and store.

Blogging, Fashion, Lifestyle, Petite Style, Style, TravelCrystal LowyOctober 28, 2020Cowboy boots, Fall Style, Farm, Lavender, Countryside, Travel 9, Style 28, Pink, Dresses, PortfolioComment

How to Handle a Major Break Up

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.

Fall Picnic in the Park

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!

Fashion, Petite Style, Lifestyle, Style, TravelCrystal LowyOctober 24, 2020Research Parkpicnic, Have a Picnic, Picnic, Fall Stye, Plaid, Cropped pants, Pink, Fall Activities, outdoors, FamilyComment

An Autumn To Remember

This season is one to remember in many ways. I am filled with gratitude as I write these word sitting cross legged on my couch. My new couch for that matter. About a month ago I was attending an online yoga class and the instructor talked about how shedding baggage during Fall. You can read more about that concept in this post, but I realized I had some emotional baggage that I just needed to let go. Guess what? As soon as I let those things go that no longer served me in life I was able to make room for more gratitude. With gratitude comes joy. What no longer served me was relinquished so that I could have mental space to enjoy what was right in front of me.

Fashion, Petite Style, Style, TravelCrystal LowyOctober 21, 2020Denim, Fall Style, Jeans, White Button Up, Button Up, Hat, Hat Lady, Floppy Hat, Style 27, Navasota, Texas Style, Travel 9Comment

Bee Weaver Farm

This weekend was one of those magical moments I’ll remember for the rest of my life. Just filled with the best weather, activities, rest and joy. I believe in perfect timing in life. There is a time for everything. Sometimes we have periods of rough roads while other times are smooth sailing. This weekend was smooth sailing. A few years ago I noticed on my drives from Houston to College Station there was a little farm right outside of Navasota, TX. Usually I was traveling for overnight trips and had my dog with me so I never made the stop. Now that I live in College Station I decided to take a day trip out to the Honey Farm and check it out.

Happily Ever After

Two years ago I gained weight. Sigh - there I said it (you can scroll to the bottom for a before and after pic). That was a big one for me to let out. I’m very much a perfectionist in a lot of ways. It’s a tough attribute to deal with because no matter how hard I try - it’s impossible for me to attain perfection. I wasn’t just overweight either. I was depressed and anxious at the same time. Can we say double-whammy? I didn’t want to drive anywhere due to panic attacks. I was constantly walking around in a foggy gloom. I wondered if this was all there was to life… I had this corporate job I was frustrated being apart of because I didn’t feel like I made a difference. I didn’t fit in with any of the suburban moms. My friends were married and had multiple kids. I lacked purpose, discernment and everything felt really complicated.

My Go-To Fall Outfit

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.

Fashion, Lifestyle, Petite Style, Style, Travel, VintageCrystal LowyOctober 16, 2020Downtown BryanFall Style, Blazer, Mom Uniform, Jeans, Mom Jeans, Loafers, Fall, Casual StyleComment

What to do When You're Mentally Bombarded

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.

How to Set an Fall Inspired Table

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!

interior design, How To, Lifestyle, Style, VintageCrystal LowyOctober 7, 2020Fall Style, Home Sweet Heel Clicks, Table, Holiday Decor, Interior Design, Decor, Fall, Autumn, PumpkinsComment

Anti-aging Skincare for Autumn

This year I turned 35! Yes, I know… hard to believe I’m closer to 40 than 30 these days. With age comes many factors like fine lines, discoloration and even dreaded wrinkles. To combat some of this I’ve been incorporating new anti-aging products into my skincare routine. Every few months I like to switch things up in my regimen as the seasons change. As Fall and Winter approach our typical humid and hot climate is replaced with cooler, drier and windier weather. In my twenties and even early thirties I used to use whatever cleanser I could find that was reasonable and slap on a mask whenever I remembered to expecting glowing skin to emerge. Now I know better. Great skin requires a solid regimen and healthy lifestyle! Here are a few products and tips for glowing skin whether you are in your twenties or sixties!

Shedding Baggage and Layering Confidence

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.

Scarves as Face Coverings

Over the past few months I’ve been trying to find ways to incorporate face coverings into my regular wardrobe. Isn’t it weird to now be required to wear an accessory over your face? I know I have found it odd and oftentimes I have to remind myself before leaving the house, do I have a face covering? I’ve found the easiest and one of the most comfortable options is to wear a bandana or scarf in leu of an actual mask. They are a very pretty alternative and add versatility to your closet. If you don’t have scarves on hand, I’ve rounded up a whole selection below for you to shop - all under $50!

Style, Shopping, fashionCrystal LowySeptember 28, 2020fashion, scarf, accessories, face coverings, masks, fall stye, Round Up 2020

Three Ways to Add Autumn Touches Around Your Home

I love decorating! Who else? Are you one of those who is constantly rearranging things inside your home? One of the easiest ways to get in the fall spirit is to add few touches to your home. It doesn’t have to cost a lot of money or be a big hassle - but a few embellishments go far! You don’t have to stop at decor, think about creating an experience when you walk in your door. We are spending so much more time indoors these days it’s nice to have a place that’s welcoming and warm as the months get cooler.

interior design, StyleCrystal LowySeptember 19, 2020Home Sweet Heel Clicks, Home, Holiday Decor, Holiday, Pu, Pumpkins, Interior DesignComment

Body Positivity and Mental Health Fitness Plan

I’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.

Turning Setbacks into Comebacks

Ever been knocked down hard and you didn’t even see it coming? Well, I have! Actually it happened at the beginning of this year and I’m not even referring to COVID-19. This year didn’t really start off the way I imagined, not that anything ever really turns out how we expect it to. For the past two years I’ve worked on building a life full of purpose. It’s been the wildest ride of my life. When you want to create a mission based life, it requires digging down pretty deep. The more I stepped into the person I wanted to be — the further away from a relationship I stepped. I started drawing boundaries and those boundaries were discarded by someone extremely close to me. It was hard. I never thought that would be the case, but there it was. I had to make a choice be true to the person God created me to be or conform to what someone else wanted me to be.

Transformation is an Inside Job

Transformation 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.

Cultivating Life Like a Garden

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.

Life Purpose, Style, Petite Style, Lifestyle, Inspiration, fashionCrystal LowyAugust 30, 2020Life Purpose, Life Lessons, Summer Style, Style 26, Yellow, Loafers, Tan, Leather, BowsComment

Under Construction

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.

When Problems Become Overwhelming

Anxiety and Mental Health, Healthy, Inspiration, Life Purpose, Lifestyle, Petite Style, Self Care, StyleCrystal LowyJune 28, 2020Anxiety, Mental Health, Self Care, Style 29, FlowersComment