I 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 MoreWow. I am in a little disbelief that I am typing these words, but today (which is March 22, 2022) marks three full years since my last drink. Over the course of the past three years, I’ve meta morphed into the best version of myself so far. As I journaled early this morning I realized just how far I’ve come and what it took to get here. I thought I’d share a few life lessons in today’s post. If you are considering removing alcohol from your life then this is the post for you. This is what changed over three years. Some of it I didn’t think was possible. Some of these things required day-by-day focus. Some of it just fell into place. All of it is my testimony to making the best choice for myself. These days I feel alive and I feel like most days I thrive. The complete opposite of where I was a few years back.
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 MoreI’m on a yellow kick lately. There’s something so bright and cheerful about daffodil and marigold shades of yellow I’ve had it on constant rotation. I recently share this yellow maxi dress and this adorable top with you guys! Today’s it’s all about the gorgeous cabana stripes on this Caroline Constas top. Statement tops are perfect for resort wear styles and vacation. This same top would look adorable with a midi or maxi skirt, a pair of skinny jeans or linen pants. Dressed up or dressed down it’s dramatic and flattering. I decided to wear it with a pair of cropped pants I picked up from Amazon the Drop and pops of white accessories. Although this top is more of an investment piece, I rounded up a few under $100 below for you to shop! To top things off I added a little gold jewelry and a bright yellow satchel I’ve had for years!
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 recently discovered the label La Maison Talulah and let me tell you I couldn’t be happier. The brand designs the most feminine dresses with the most delicate of details like the button-down bodice and tiered ruffle skirted on this dress. You probably remember this short floral dress I wore recently here and here. That one has the most beautiful cut and ruffles on the shoulders and sleeves. The fabric of both dresses was also impressive. Such quality! If you are looking for a few options at lower price points check out the shopping list below! I included a few from Amazon that is under $50!
Read MoreLet’s chat about all things Spring now. Over the next few weeks, I begin rotating out all of my cold weather clothes and put my Spring things front and center. I usually gravitate to a few color palettes - nudes with whites, pastels, and cherry red. Depending on my mood, I’ll dress accordingly. Having a few classic accessories like a basket bag, gold jewelry, and scarves make endless options for your favorite pieces. The switch of a bag and the addition of earrings can make any outfit come to life. Also, a pretty statement necklace pops on web meetings! I love being able to show up in real life or on camera with a little color on. It draws people’s eyes to pay better attention to what I’m saying. Below are over 100 spring accessories for you to shop! Let me know which ones are your favorites in the comments!
Read MoreWith Spring Break happening over the next month, I thought it was the perfect time to share a few Resort Wear picks! I love being able to get away even if it’s just for a few days this time of year. The weather is mild compared to the past few months and it’s so fun to get to visit the beach, a lake, or just get outdoors more! Jill by Jill Stuart makes some of the most beautifully cut dresses. This one is cut on the bias which gives the skirt a free-flowing shape. You find similar options here and here! I paired it today with my favorite nude pumps and a simple nude clutch. When I’m on holiday I like to bring the smallest clutch possible to dinner. No one wants to lug around a mommy purse in a dress like this! I added touches of gold jewelry and a medallion statement necklace for the final touches! See below for all my favorite resort wear picks! Also, where are you heading for Spring Break? Staycation, beach, mountains, or just a normal week? Also, don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter and win a free Younique MOODSTRUCK EPIC 4D Mascara!
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 MoreHope you had a lovely weekend! I am prepping for a business trip and spending the weekend with my daughter and getting ready for travel. I also had such a good time at a luncheon and putting with friends at Bigshot Golf here in town. If you haven’t been over there, I highly recommend it! It was a blast! I planned to wear this dress that evening, but temperatures dropped quickly, and I ended up changing into jeans and a sweater. This shirt dress has the prettiest Madrid plaid print. Soft colors and delicate embroidery make this a really special piece. I’ve been wearing shirt dresses often lately - see this post and this post. They are so easy to throw on and look flattering on most body types. Because they are tied at the waist, it creates a natural hourglass shape. Plus, having a fuller skirt allows you to move freely without feeling like you are going to flash someone. Yes, you can even sit criss-cross legged on the ground when you pick a long enough skirt. Although the one I’m wearing is an investment piece, you can easily grab other options below! I rounded up a ton of them starting at $35. Also, don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter and win a free Younique MOODSTRUCK EPIC 4D Mascara!
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 am so happy that Spring is just a few weeks away! After the past week of temperature drops each night, Texas is finally looking up! Today it’s a full 77 degrees and sunny. I’m going through my closet this weekend to push my Winter items towards the back and rotate all of my spring dresses to the front. Florals, solids, and ginghams all take center stage in wardrobe over the next few months. Today I’m sharing a gorgeous wrap dress that would be perfect for a wedding or formal event. Look for pieces with special touches like this asymmetrical ruffle hemline! I rounded up almost 100 dresses for you below to shop! As low as $17 and ranging up to luxury fashion. You can shop all of them at the bottom of this post!
Read MoreMy family is originally from the deep south and porches are a thing for anyone who lives in Alabama. Although I call Texas home, there are a few things from my childhood I’ve carried over here, and having a porch to relax on is a necessity. I recently made a few updates to my patio to include DIY paper lantern outdoor light shades. You basically tie a few paper lanterns together with thread and hang over the ugly old light fixture. Also, a fantastic idea for a party! My outdoor sconces are pretty deepest into the porch, so I’m not worried about wind damage. I went ahead and put together a few tips for decorating your patio!
Read MoreThe week in Abilene and Amarillo flew by! I decided to do a quick round-up post of all of the outfits I wore in both cities. Keep it mind it was either sunny and 70 or below freezing and windy. I did my best to pull together looks to inspire but were also somewhat practical. I spent so much time outdoors so you’ll see a few options for activity-related outfits. I also spent a good amount of time catching up with friends and having amazing meals. I wore a few nicer outfits and then a few cozy things as well. You can check out my prior posts on Caprock Canyons, Abilene, Palo Duro Canyon, my stay at the Big Texan Motel, and finally the cutest dress for date night or girl’s night out!
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