Joggers. So much hype about joggers. If we break it down to the nitty girtty they are essentially a glorified refined version of the classic sweat pant. BUT I would like to argue joggers are bit more sleek and can truly be worn in a fashionable and trendy way. At the end of the day I am embracing the trend and bringing you along with me! Ha. So, here are a few tips for styling your joggers for spring.
The most trendy buzz word in my “mama” circle is?????
SELF CARE.
Recentlyish I was asked what I do for self-care. How I ensure my needs are met. And well…. I didn’t have an answer. I stood there speechless.
Fast forward several weeks. Declan is in school and Brendan is traveling so I have a lot of time to think about myself. I have a lot of time to focus on myself. And it feels super unnatural and awkward. There is such a taboo about making yourself the focus of your own life, especially as a mother. BUT why??? Everyone knows that if mama isn’t happy no one is happy but no one is comfortable with making mama the focus. After I was asked how I take care of myself I spent a great deal of time thinking about what makes ME happy, what make ME feel complete and how do I make ME the center of my own attention. A lot of women exercise, a lot of women spend a day at the spa, a lot of women do happy hours and believe me I try to do all of those but I need something different.
I need ME time. I need alone time. It took me years to realize that I need alone time. For reflection, for thought, for planning, for decompressing, for comfort, for SELF-CARE. I used to be scared to be alone with my thoughts and I was always seeking distractions. I was constantly seeking “noise” in my life to avoid the “noise” in my own head. Being comfortable and alone with my thoughts was scary… Its like I was scared to think for myself. If I listened to my mind I would have to change my life, if I listened to my brain I would have to change my heart and that scared me. It scared me enough that I avoided it and created other things to think about. I, essentially, created drama in my life to avoid dealing with my own life. Talk about the opposite of self-care. In fact, it made it impossible to engage in worthwhile, effective self-care because it was easier.
Being alone and giving myself the time to address my thoughts is HARD. It is harder than ignoring it. Addressing and unpacking those thoughts is uncomfortable and sometimes it is yucky. It’s a big mess up in my brain, it’s an emotional dumping ground, it’s a hodge podge of missed opportunities, regrets, celebrations and fears. Over the last several years I have worked really hard at becoming comfortable with my thoughts, with learning to silence the outside “noise” to focus on the inside, with being alone. It is challenging and sometimes downright impossible but in an effort to focus on self-care it is time I go back to listening to myself. For some reason, I have slipped back into avoiding myself and of creating outside “noise” loud enough to drown out the inside “noise”
While we lived in London and the year prior to that I had done a great job of focusing on my own thoughts, of learning to love being alone with my mind and to embrace the chaos of my own life. Some might say I had no other choice given I was across the world but it was as much that as it was the internal feeling of knowing something needed to change. I was ready to feel differently. And I am again, ready to feel differently.
Photos: Jenna Sparks Photography
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Who doesn’t love this jogger trend??!?!? It is like wearing fancy sweatpants out of the house and I am obsessed. I think these are my third or fourth pair! I love to dress them up (like in this look) with a fun tee, wedges or heels and some fancy fun jewelry. But I am not afraid to throw them on with a tee, flip flops and cardigan (perfect for school drop off). This graphic tank is old but this trend is still hot!! You can find ones with just anything on them… I have linked a few of my other favorites <here> <here> and <here> . Again such a versatile piece to have in your closet- throw it on with joggers or distressed denim for a super cute trendy look.
I, personally, tend to gravitate towards simple accessories. I almost exclusively wear stud earrings (especially in my everyday life) and stick to the same four-six bracelets. My style is pretty classic and easy. Below I have linked my favorite stud earrings and bracelets- most of which you can find me any day of the week.
Self-care comes in many forms and is different for each person. Self-care is not just about getting away from you children, or your job or your spouse… it is about embracing yourself. It is about making yourself and your happiness a priority. Whatever form your self-care takes on I challenge you to remain authentic, real and transparent with your journey. Embracing my feelings, my wandering mind and noisy thoughts is how I practice self-care. Being alone and making the time to decompress, relax and reflect is how I practice self-care. Recognizing and accepting myself as important is how I practice self-care.
How do you do it???
With Love,
As I sit and write this I am enjoying a little mama break down in Mexico. I am blessed to spend some time with a friend of 14 years here in this amazing place- relaxing, filling up on Vitamin D and reconnecting after my time abroad. And while I have been here I have been reminded of the importance of not taking life too seriously… are there times and incidents where a serious mind set is warranted and needed- ABSOLUTELY…. but this week while I am away I am focusing on not taking myself too seriously and enjoying the moment.
As a mother I tend to over analyze and over think almost every situation; from whether I brushed his teeth long enough to whether I fed him a balance nutritious diet (which I may have but he did not eat) to whether I am too overprotective or not protective enough… and sometimes (more often than not) these things do not matter. Tomorrow he can brush his teeth a little bit longer, I will give him extra strawberries, will let him fall down and then make sure to give him extra kisses when he does. But today I am going to let it all go and not take myself or the situation too seriously. Sometimes a good old fashioned chuckle is the best way to handle the over analyzing, over stressing and overprotective nature I feel with Declan.
Too often we get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life that we do not see the everyday laughable moments. Too often we focus so much on success and progress that we are unable to see the lighter side of life. As driven, successful, accomplished humans there is a stigma that accompanies that- there is an expectation of consistent and utter maturity- there is an image to uphold. As I get older (my birthday is next week) I am rethinking the image I portray, I am taking into account the unexpected and I am relishing in those awkward moments of immaturity and the unknown. Friends- I am not perfect and to be honest at times I am down right laughable.
So… I decided to jump on the band wagon of the bandanna trend and I do NOT regret it. I am loving the ability to spice up an outfit with a simple accessory like this bandanna. I plan to, also, wear it in my hair or maybe wrapped around my wrist- it is that versatile! I am obviously obsessed with any pants that feel like pajamas or sweats and so these joggers were an immediate choice when I stumbled upon them at Gap. I love that these joggers are light enough to wear in the summer but still good for a cool spring day. These also come in other colors and styles and I would suggest you swoop up a pair ASAP. This tank is under $15! Shut the front door… $15. Old Navy has been great for some of those simple staples you want to have for summer- I recently stocked up starting with this tank.
Would you believe me if I told you this purse was my Grandmothers?!? Seriously, it was! I found it the other day when I was going through some old boxes and I immediately knew it would be the perfect compliment to this outfit. I have very vivid memories, from when I was a young child, of my grandmother using this purse and I want to be believe she would be happy to know I am still using it today. I have linked <here> and <here> a few similar straw bags to compliment any summer outfit!
I act like a child, I skip and dance around the house to tween music, I make lame and obvious jokes, I love to sing in public and I am obsessed with kissing and hugging my son. All things which do not uphold the image of maturity, stature or status… but each day I laugh. I laugh at myself, with my son, with my friends, with my husband.. each day I giggle at the smallest things… and each day I find the humor in my life. I embrace the fact that this is my life and I choose not to spend it caught up in images, stuffiness or expectations. I strive to spend it laughing, giggling and chuckling!
With Love,
Those moments… the ones you want to capture and cherish forever. The times you never want to forget. The moments in your life that make it worth living. Let’s talk about time. And how I try to keep it.
As a mother I wear many different hats; most mothers do. And each day I am given 24 hours to make the most of my time. The challenge of ensuring I get everything done I need to is daunting, to say the least. Plus I do not want all of my moments in time to be spent on chores, errands and to-do lists….
This past weekend I was able to catch up with one of my most favorite people- it had been many months since I talked to her and even more since I had seen her. We chatted about her new favorite songs (I haven’t had a radio for 17 months so this was important for both of us), she filled me in on her new hobbies, she updated me on some of her friends and we ate donuts- her chocolate and me blueberry.
She, yet again, reminded me just how important the power of organic connections are- sometimes there are people with whom you just “click” with and you share an unexplained special bond with- she is this girl for me. She reminded me that the innocence of youth is not lost and that spending time talking and listening to one another are two of the most important aspects of humanity that are so often overlooked. Oh, did I mention she is 6 years old. That’s right- I spent my Sat morning with an intelligent, emotional, insightful 6 year old girl whom I have loved since she was born. There are some people who bring out the very best in you and this little lady always dose (if that isn’t a testament to how wonderful her mama is- not sure what is).
Photos: Victoria Metaxas
** Side Note- I am living in Colorado but these pictures were taken in London**
J O G G E R S.... love them. Wear them all the time. The exact pair is from Zara but I have linked <similar> ones. The comfort factor of these babies are through the roof yet they still look more classy than sweatpants. I love to pair them with flowy tops like this baby and really re-create the pajama feeling that is acceptable to wear outside. I love the elastic bottom on these and I love the side detail- helps to really make sure people know I am not, in fact, wearing pajamas. These joggers are perfect with a cute utility jacket or even a chunky sweater on those colder days. I have been pairing this drapey top with just about everything and it is prefect for everyday. It comes in a variety of colors but you know me- I love my grays and neutrals. Since I have been back in Colorado I have paired this top with both a puffy vest and an oversized cardigan and I have only been back 9 days. Seriously, the possibilities and versatility of both the joggers and the top are endless!!!
The bag is a given as it is perfectly paired with anything and is the best color for all seasons. I keep my life in it as it is fairy large and I simply love the structured aspect. I have been on a new bag hunt so any suggestions are welcomed!!! Not sure exactly what I want so anything you guys are loving let me know! When I got home I went through some tubs we had in storage and I have found a few oldies I may bring into the rotation- that could be a fun post- how to reuse your favorite items for last season… what do you think?!?
This little lady asked me about my life abroad- she was very curious if I had seen any Princesses while living in London and I had to, unfortunately, tell that I had not. Despite the let down of no Princess spotting she was genuinely interested in my life- what sorts of things I did, what Declan liked there, how things were different… she was as selfless as a 6 year old can be and this enduring quality is something I continue to strive for in my own life. This sweet gal and I have had a special bond since she was born as I was immediately drawn to her innate emotional abilities- she is sweet, caring, inquisitive and passionate- essentially she is all the things I continue to strive to master in my own emotional life.
Seeking out and surrounding myself with people who have qualities that I hope to posses myself is one of the many ways I am learning to make new friends. People who challenge me to become a better person, to consider living life a bit more fuller and to find the positive in all is my main goal upon moving back (well, other than getting settled and going to Target!). And while my Saturday morning donut date was not with a new friend it was a breath of fresh air in my ever growing quest to work on myself- it was a reminder that a little empathy and compassion can go a long way. Thanks Bizzy, for putting me back in check.
With Love,
