-
-
How would you define yourself, if asked?
What words, characteristics or even occupations do you used when asked to describe yourself? I was recently asked this question and I was immediately challenged to define myself… the thought had never really occurred to me, especially since quitting my job close to three years ago. Now, that’s a wild thing to think about… three years ago I was a special education teacher, a fairly recent newlywed, getting ready to have my first son and loving my life. Well, lets fast forward to today- how would I define myself and my life given most of those attributes would no longer describe me.
Life is made up of so much that it can be very challenging to define yourself by one thing. For example, I am a mother. But that is not all I am. I am a blogger but again that is not all I am. I am happy, I am adventurous, I am a sister, I am a red-head. But I am so much more and some of those characteristics and occupations make up such a small piece of my whole being.
Photos: Jenna Sparks Photography
shop the look: dress // heels // bag // earrings <similar>
It has felt like spring here in Colorado which means we are due for an epic snow storm but before that I could not resist this fabulous bell sleeve dress. The lace up front was what captured my attention first but I simply love the bell sleeves. Who isn’t obsessing over bell sleeves these days!? The pale blush color is fabulous for spring and paired with nude heels this bell sleeve dress really makes for the perfect date night outfit. If you are stopping by the blog for the first time this week you may think I only wear these nude heels… but that is not true. Wanted to create a really girly look and this bell sleeve dress and heels really hit the nail on the head.
This new bag- courtesy of my husband- has been peeking out a lot as the weather continues to be spring like. But… I couldn’t find the exact one to link. It was bought at Nordstrom Rack so if you love it that much head over and grab one. I have linked the same bag but in a different color and texture and I kind of love it more than mine!! Shhhh, don’t tell Brendan.
defining yourself
I have never taken the time to truly define myself, my beliefs, my values and my characteristics. But give recent events I decided to spend some time doing that and I would recommend the practice to anyone- especially those experiencing unrest or unease about their life. What I found in my reflection were deep rooted ingrained values of which almost all of my life are based up. I found myself coming back to these characteristics and attributes as opposed to my work, relationships, my location or even my past.
I am passionate.
Whether it be in my marriage, my parenting, my quest as a blogger, my search for a new sweater, my learning a hobby, my education, my beliefs.
I am forgiving.
Whether it be towards others, towards myself, towards strangers or even enemies (which I hope I don’t have too many of).
I am hopeful.
Whether it be in my friendships, my blogging journey, my daily interactions with my son, my country, my family.
I am opinionated.
Whether it be my reactions to situations, my thoughts towards life, my daily adventures to the grocery store, my beliefs, my morals, my values.
How would you define yourself?? Would you use traits, values, characteristics, professions…???
With Love,
-
-
HAPPY HAPPY FRIDAY!!! I can’t believe it has been two weeks since I left London- it feels so much longer ago. London feels like a distant memory, like a former life. In fact, it feels like it was someone else’s life. And so… Now What???
The number one question I have been asked since I got home is “What are you going to do now that you are back?”
G O O D Q U E S T I O N F R I E N D S.
As you may or may not know I used to be a teacher. I taught for six years in a classroom with students with severe special needs. I LOVED these kiddos, I loved my job and I had a passion for educating. And then my son was born with significant medical needs and I became passionate about being a mother and I there was not room in my life for both. I have never looked back since I quit teaching and although I admire those dedicated educators I can no longer call myself one. When we moved to London I knew my teaching days were behind me and I felt happy to embarking on a new adventure. And now I am home again… and a new adventure awaits.
Photos: Jenna Sparks Photography
shop the look: denim // sweater // shoes // bag <similar> // sunnies // earrings
Okay, so the first thing I am going to do is continue to wear these new distressed denim. And then shortly after that I am going to put this criss-cross back sweater on repeat. After that I will add these fuzzy platform slip-ons. Let’s talk about this sweater and while we do you need to buy it– like now. It is amazing. I got mine from my very favorite Denver boutique Hailee Grace so if you are in Denver head in there and let the girls know you saw this on the blog. If you are not in Denver you can purchase it here. It is perfect for any occasion — pair it with heels and some dark denim to make a pretty sexy date night outfit. I love how it is cute and classy it is but adds a bit of sexy from the back. These new distressed jeans are so fabulous and while some reviews are calling them acid wash I disagree… they are perfect and under $100. LOVE LOVE LOVE them. I had my eye on them while still in London but didn’t want to pay the shipping so they were one of the very first purchases upon arriving back.
These slip-on sneakers are fabulous and so fun! The little pom poms make any outfit pop and add such an element or flirty fun that I can’t stop wearing them. Like all my other Steve Maddens they were a bit tight to start but after two wears they loosen up and become very comfortable. Okay, on to this bag. Believe it or not my husband found this at Nordstrom Rack the other day. He did good!!! While I was unable to link the exact one I have linked the same bag just in a different color. It is a cute little bag for a brunch and is perfect for the coming spring/summer season.
so now what?
Well… I am still figuring that out. But I can tell you I am not returning to teaching. My hope and dream is to grow the blog to be successful but I am still learning what that looks like. I am learning how to consistently engage you guys so you will come back each week, to inspire you in your everyday outfits and to continue to offer perspective as you read. I love fashion and I love getting dressed but I also love writing. I love having this platform to express myself and I am forever grateful to each of you who believe in me.
I want to expand my posts to include other aspects of my life-maybe a little about being a momma, maybe a little about travel, maybe a little about being a wife… I guess the possibilities are endless. But the most important is that they are relevant to you- so let me know what you want to see?!? What do you like to read about? What can I help you with? I know that your time is limited and I appreciate any time you have to spend reading each week so my goal is to make it worth your while.
So, to answer the question… “What are you going to do now?”Well, I am going to figure that out each day… and at some point I just may have an answer…
With Love,
-
-
Decisions. They are what make up our each and every day.
Some are voluntary and conscious.
Some are involuntary and routine.
Some are easy.
Some are hard.
The problem I am having is the decisions that should be involuntary and easy are all of a sudden really hard and take a lot of conscious thought. And the opposite is true. Decisions I used to spend a lot of time on and required a bit more voluntary action have become routine and easy.
For example- I used to wake right up, never hit the snooze button and was ready to start my day- wide eyed and excited. Now, I snooze for like 35 minutes sometimes, find any excuse to stay in bed and then drag myself into the kitchen to start my day…. so what has changed?? I still sleep the same number of hours, I still sleep as soundly as I did and I still follow all the same bed time routines… honestly, it is a puzzle.
But the problem is not just getting up. There has been a switch across my whole life. I thrive at making huge life decisions and am challenged at making daily decisions. Oh, gheez!
Photos: Zoe Griffin Photo
SHOP THE LOOK: DENIM // SWEATER // BOOTS // NECKLACE <SIMILAR> // BAG
Friends! Run run run to get this sweater. It is the best sweater I have bought or styled this whole season- honestly. I love the fit, the color (it comes in many other options) and the material. It is perfect for under a light jacket as it is super warm. It is easily worn with a longer layering tee underneath and leggings or with denim as seen here. These boots are becoming a favorite as I wear them more and I am loving them with skirts! These are my ever popular J.Crew toothpick jeans and as you can see I wear them all time The dark color makes them perfect for daytime or evening. This exact necklace is a few seasons old but J.Crew always has the best statement pieces so I have linked several others <here> <here> <here>. The bag was a Christmas present and I am simply in love with it- perfect color for winter and will transition so well into spring/summer. A nice bag can really take an outfit up a few notches- this baby sure makes me feel sophisticated!
These photos were taken in Clapham Common which is at the end of my street- I literally walk down this path almost everyday. I was so lucky to have my photographer make the journey to South London for this shoot- these photos will be the prefect reminder of just how beautiful my neighborhood was! But you can be rest assured it took me many many days o decide exactly where I would shoot.
D E C I S I O N S— T H E B R E A K D O W N
Let’s start with life decisions… like moving; we made the decision and then we continued on with life. Decision over. Decision done.
Let’s talk about my breakfast decisions…. do I want coffee or tea? Coffee, so I made coffee and then wanted tea. Cereal or eggs, well cereal is easier but eggs are better for you- but eggs I have to wash the pan after, cereal is just one bowl…. so I had toast.My life just runs this way and I am starting to wonder what is wrong with me?!? Ha. I think maybe I am so worn out from making such challenging large impact decisions that I use up my ‘decision making quota’. And so I have toast. Either way I am working on being better at determining the appropriate amount of thoughts and effort of decisions… should I spent 45 minutes deciding whether to wear burgundy or wine colored lip stick? Should I spend 3 to 4 days deciding whether to get extra soft tissues or just regular soft tissues? I guess I will get back to you when I decided… or do not decide… Just don’t hold your breath waiting!
With Love,
-
-
Just in case you have been hiding under a rock I am here to tell you it is now 2017.
Another year has come and gone. A new year awaits. So… now what??? I have traveled around the sun many times and I have been in this position of anxious wonder many times so why does this year feel different? Why does this coming year seem bigger- why does it seem more important- why do I feel such a sense of urgency to dive into 2017??
As I unpack these emotions I am finding that I am standing at a very abrupt crossroads. A new year is supposed to elicit emotions about rejuvenation, second chances and opportunities. And while I am feeling those things I am also feeling a sense of lose, undesired closure and anxiety. For the first time in many years I am torn about which road to travel and which emotions to embrace. An obvious choice would be the path of optimism but is it fair to discount the other feelings that seem to be filling my mind.
It is no wonder as to why I am feeling these things- I have not been very silent about our big move back to Colorado and with that brings a lot of emotion- this crossroads, where I stand, is the culmination place for all my worries, excitement, anxiety, happiness and fear about moving home.
Photos: Zoe Griffin Photo
SHop the LOok: Denim // Top // Scarf // Bag // Trainers //
Easy. Casual. Comfortable. The best aspects of this outfit: no corssroad there! This top is MONEY (and currently only $12). I had been on the hunt for something in this style and tired on plenty of options but none of them fit like this one. It is soft and comfortable- and I love the sleeve length. Wear it with jeans, cords, skirts, athlesuire pants, leggings- anything! No wardrobe is complete without a gray knit scarf and once again Zara came through for me. As there are certainly not a shortage of chunky knit scarves I have linked a few for ease of shopping <similar> <similar>. Adding a plain scarf to any outfit really completes the look (and adds warmth). These distressed denim are an old favorite from my favorite Denver boutique Hailee Grace however I have linked several similar <here> <here>. I went with a lighter wash to break up the dark shirt and denim and as is it super casual the major distressing keeps with that look. You all should recognize these trainers and should be no surprise they are camo. I love all things camo. These exact trainers are currently sold out- sorry friends!! I really try to post current and available products but it can not always be done #bloggerproblems
So this is my new B A G. Santa was good to me this year and I am simply in love with it! The color is perfect for any season and will transition well into spring/summer. It is structured which is a change for me but I am committed to not shoving it full of toddler gear (although that has already happened). It has, already, proven to be extremely versatile- can wear it for daytime or evening for a more dressed up look. LOVE LOVE LOVE it.
Back to my crossroad dilemma. As I thought more about it I want to embark of the road of progression and positive change but in order to do that I must validate where I am coming from. Meaning, I must acknowledge and process these feelings of anxiety and forced change before I can move on. In doing so I am able to come to terms with where I am in life, let it go and confidently choose the path of opportunities. Friends, I am sad about leaving London and in order to move past them I need to recognize and accept this… so I am doing that now. And then I will be ready to take that path of new chances, new optimism and new challenges. Meet me there… I will be there soon!
With Love,
P.S. If you have not subscribed you should- you get all the posts send directly to your inbox! Just fill in your email below (no spam, I promise).
-
