Today marks day four of my latest solo trip. As I was heading across the South this week I stumbled across a retired couple at the Anchuca Bed and Breakfast in Vicksburg, Mississippi who commented how they thought it was incredible that I travel alone. I’ve actually been doing this most of my adulthood.I am now a single mom who needs downtime. I love having my daughter and would give her anything but I also have an immense amount of pressure to be and do all. I work a pretty high-stress job and could feel myself in need of time away a few weeks ago. I am writing this to tell you there is a way for you to be a good parent, spouse, family member and have time to yourself. Maybe it’s a far-fetched idea right now. Maybe you think you have no one to watch your kid. Maybe you’ve never left your hometown alone. Maybe you can’t imagine leaving your spouse alone for the weekend. Well, sister or brother - YES YOU CAN. When there is a will, there is always a way. Everything is figureoutable and I’m here to tell you if you need a vacation - you have permission to take one.
Read MoreAre you a summer baby? I am! I live for the long days, pool and beachwear, delicious in-season fruits, and lightning bugs in the late evenings. I could live all day every day in a swimsuit and couldn’t wait for this year’s summer season especially after the Texas snowstorm we had. I have an upcoming trip to Florida and decided to pick up a few new swimsuits and coverups for the occasion. I grabbed a bright grass green and white one for a more classic look and the cutest red scalloped trim for a glam look. I also grabbed this adorable striped beach umbrella I can’t wait to use! Shop all three outfits below from Amazon for your next trip. What’s your favorite look - green, white or red?
Read MoreDoes anything scream summer than dresses? I love reaching for a romantic yet casual feel for a summer day or evening. This one was another Amazon find and received so many compliments. I love the little ruffle detail and off-the-shoulder romantic feel to it. I find the buttons down the front really elongate my petite frame. It’s an easy fabric to dress up with a touch of gold jewelry and a pair of espadrilles or keep casual as I did for brunch with ballet flats. Ps - these flats are literally the most comfortable pair I have EVER owned! I even have them in black. Check out the round-up of all things summer below. Hope you all are having an awesome weekend and enjoying your long summer days.
Read MoreMany of us wait for the big things in life - weddings, school dances, new jobs, or moving to feel the excitement. This past year taught me so much about learning to appreciate everyday moments. Last weekend my daughter and I decided to do just that. We decided to have a spread like none other to celebrate absolutely nothing. Grabbing a variety of non-dairy cheeses, gluten-free crackers, dark sea salt caramel chocolates, fruits and olives paired with the most delicious sparkling cider and non-alcoholic wine to create the best snack ever (those were her words).
Read MoreMemorial Day Weekend is forever the milestone to kick off summer. Yes, it’s day of honor and rememberance for those who have fought and fallen for our country. It’s also the end of the school year and the start to summer vacation. Iced coffee, sorbet, and gelato, days on the lake, and a long list of summer bucket activities are now the agenda. So much ahead this summer compared to last year’s lockdown. I’m excited about the upcoming months and changes life will offer as I shed things that no longer serve my life and make room for more creativity, joy, and freedom.
Read MoreConfession - I saw this nap dress when it launched a while back and I wish I had bought it sooner. Hill House Home has created capsule collections in limited batches of the softest most coziest nap dresses. So what is a nap dress? It’s a lightweight cotton dress than can easily transition from night to day worn as both a nightgown and day dress. After getting this pink and white version a few weeks ago I fell in love and ended up getting two more. The swiss dot pattern of this slightly sheer dress makes it both feminine and whimsical. I plan to wear this over the summer as a swimsuit cover up, a day dress for working around the house and add a belt and wedges to take myself to dinner. The pink and white stripe is not sheer at all, but the white version I’d recommend adding a slip underneath if you are wearing out.
Read MoreEvery now and then I love doing a refresh on my bedroom and bath. Being that I sleep and get ready in these areas every day I try to replace items that get worn over time. I recently refreshed my bedroom by purchasing a new floral quilt for my bed. I love the pretty blue and white pattern with the scalloped edge. I also refreshed my towels with these super soft striped turkish towels (which were such a steal I might add). Finally, I’ll be putting these floral wall decals up on the wall behind my bed in leu of paint. Sometimes a few changes make a really big difference!
Read MoreI’m sure you’ve heard this phrase before but MINDSET IS EVERYTHING. Whether you think you can or can’t, you are right. I wish I could tell my younger self this. The mind is so powerful and when you are on a fitness journey it will take a mental push to hit your goals. A few months ago I began running. For the first time in my life at age 35 I decided to start and just work my way up to 30 minutes. Each day I showed up and just did it. I pushed myself a little harder and a little harder by adding a minute or two on. Before I knew it I was at two and three miles. A month later I decided to begin training for a 10k.
Read MoreLately I’ve been into relaxed fits that are loose and comfy to work from home. I really love the neckline and how I can easily throw a blazer on for those web meetings or video calls. For brunch on Sunday my daughter and I headed to Sweet Paris (a favorite of mine for years) and I added a belt and heels. I also recently snatched these straw earrings from Amazon too for under $15. If you missed my Spring Amazon Essentials post I highly recommend some of my favorite finds this season. Also includes these sandals I’m wearing and a few other favorites.
Read MoreThis time of year I usually do a closet reorganization and put away my bulky Winter items. I weed through anything that’s worn, torn, needs mending or that no longer suits my taste. I love having beautiful things, but I also think it’s really important to keep my home without clutter when possible. I try to take a note of anything that needs to be replaced like basic tees and tanks or socks. After I put together a list it’s time to fill on Amazon!
Read MoreEver since the pandemic hit, athleisure has made it’s way into my regular everyday wardrobe. As more and more places are opening up we are all itching to get out of our homes. Although I still practice social distancing, I do find myself getting into “real clothes” these days. Matching sets, rugby shirts, pastel hued yoga pants, baseball caps and other athleisure items are at the top of my list when I get dressed in the mornings. Even on web calls, you’ll oftentimes find me wearing yoga pants. I like to be put together and comfy. Today I’m sharing a few tips for wearing athleisure without looking frumpy!
Read MoreConfession: I’m a total outdoors gal. You might not expect me to say that being how much I love getting dolled up, but when I’m in nature I’m at home. From sunny days to trips to the beach to aggressive hikes in the mountains… I love it all. When given the option to work out at the gym or outdoors, you’ll find me jogging outside any day. Being that I love time outdoors means a lot of exposure to the sun. With the sun comes wrinkles if I leave my skin unprotected. These days more than ever I find myself being diligent about taking care of my skin and wearing a product with SPF daily is now built into my morning routine.
Read MoreThis week marks another milestone in my life. Two years ago I gave up alcohol. After a series of panic attacks, feeling a lack of purpose, and ultimately needing peace in my life I made the decision to give up alcohol completely. Today I’m sharing the why, what I had to do to fulfill this decision and how it improved every other area of my life. It was also the hardest thing I’ve ever done. Harder than birth, harder that failure, harder than any job I’ve taken. Yet day by day I made it. Two years is 730 days, 1 million minutes and over 67 million seconds. Essentially I made the same decision over an over each day that went by to get to where I am today. Life still throws me curve balls, but it’s manageable now. Before it was not manageable. It was not enjoyable or peaceful - I was miserable. I want to preface sharing my story that I am not suggesting whether someone should drink or shouldn’t - that is a decision that has to be made on your own. I am suggesting though if you are struggling to find joy and purpose to take a long hard look at what you are doing daily and decide if you want to keep doing it.
Read MoreIf you are currently feeling constant pressure, it’s time to put a boundary in your life for you. You have to refill your cup before you can fill others. You have to slow down, get rest, read books for fun, put your thoughts on paper, practice good skincare and treat yourself to a day for you. You may be sitting here reading this and think, I wouldn’t even know what to do with myself if I had a day. Start small, carve out time for you to take a bath each night after kids go to bed. Get up a little bit earlier so you can read a book that puts you in a good mental place. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy… so give yourself a little play time. You’ll be able to take care of your responsibilities with a renewed sense of energy and focus. You’ll be able to love on your family better and you’ll be able to recognize when something isn’t a healthy choice in your life. Go ahead and treat yo’self!
Read MoreI 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:
Read MoreI’ve been sharing so much lately about strength on my social media. The thing I’ve found about strength is that is just doesn’t feel like you are strong when you are building it. In fact, what it actually feels like is that you’re not strong enough. With one foot in front of the other you can make it through. Building strength comes from the toughest things you endure. For each person that looks different because we are made of different life circumstances. We come from different degrees of tough and every person has a different version of struggle. As I continue to move through life I realize that pain is pain no matter what degree and no one moves through their lifetime without enduring something or the other they may almost break them.
Read MoreA few years ago I had life changes take place that sent me into somewhat of a downward spiral. Started with a breakup, then a hurricane displaced me and then I got pneumonia. The three events combined that year were a catalyst for depression. Everyone functions differently. Depression can look different for different personalities. My personality is a high achievement. I operate at a fast pace with lots of energy. I prefer environments with order and structure and thrive when faced with challenges. For me, depression wasn’t siting on a couch barely able to get going everyday. In fact, it looked much different than that. Today’s post is to share insight on how sadness affects the brain, signs someone is struggling with depression and how to help.
Read MoreSince 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.
Read MoreHopefully 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!
Read MoreAfter having several conversations this past week with various friends I realized there is a common theme in our speech these days - when Covid is over, when the weather gets better, when it’s back to normal… I can’t tell you how many times I’ve said this myself. The truth of the matter is that we don’t know when or if the world is going to go back to normal. In fact, we may need to accept the fact that it may never go back to normal. The world may forever be impacted by these changes and we have to be willing to pivot to the new life. Mental health issues are on the rise and I believe the longer we allow this impact to affect us, the harder its going to get. I believe we can live our best life now, not tomorrow, not next week, not next year - the power is in NOW.
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