Weather Permitting: Off the Shoulder Dress

What is it about rainy days that make you all sentimental and nostalgic?  What is it about spending time with family that makes you all sappy and emotional???  And then just like that the sun comes out and you feel revived and ready to face life.  Please tell me I am not alone….please tell me you are as influenced by the weather as me…. come on, anyone???

The weather this week has given me opportunities to embrace both.  A lot of rainy day reflections.  And a lot of sunny day flourishing.  And I think I needed a bit of both. To be honest I have turned into a super sentimental, emotional person.  In fact most days I could cry on cue.  Maybe it is motherhood, maybe it is being a consultants wife, maybe it is being 35 or maybe it is knowing that each day is a gift I can never get back.  Sometimes I want to re-live moments or even days…. but reality would not have it.  So, instead I cry a lot #truth

August has always been a time of transition for me- I mean as a child it was “back to school time” and then when I became a teacher it was more “back to school”.  Each year I would go through the mixed emotions of leaving the long summer days behind and starting a new grade.  Or when I went to college the emotions of leaving home and starting on my own.  And when I was teaching the anxious feelings of meeting my new students and new colleagues.  Each August brought about reflections of the months past and aspirations for the coming year.  And this August in no exception.

Over the last several days (and actually several weeks, if I am honest) I have been thinking about my “life”.  Now, if that isn’t the broadest topic ever I am not sure what is.  However, what it comes down to is the little things and the feelings.  Its the little things that send my mind spinning into reflection.  Its the little things that I can hang my hat on to keep my emotions in check. It the sound of the rain against the window reminding me of the amazing opportunities we had abroad.  The thunderstorms bringing back the memories of Declans time in the hospital.  The bright sun challenging me to find the best in a situation despite my instinct to see the negative.  The warmth of the day helping me refresh my soul and appreciate all I have.  The cool evenings lending themselves to a little reminiscing of life before a child and a spouse.  But at the end of the day, no matter the weather, no matter the time of year,  I am left with overwhelming feelings of gratitude and appreciation.  Each day I am reminded just how lucky I am to live this life.

 

Photo: Jenna Sparks Photography

DISCLAIMER: THIS POST CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS.  CLICKING ON THEM DOES NOT COST YOU ANYTHING.  THERE IS A POTENTIAL I WILL EARN A SMALL COMMISSION IF ITEMS ARE PURCHASED.  

shop the look:  Dress // Shoes // Bag // Earrings 

I wanted to be simple and classic with this look. I wanted to keep it neutral and easy.  Both THIS dress and THESE shoes are the  definition of simple, classic and easy.  Off the shoulder is a HOT HOT HOT trend right now and it makes for a nice flare on a neutral dress.  The simple eye-let of THIS dress was what stood out for me.  And it is under $40.  There is still plenty of summer left to snag it up.  THESE  simple nude heels are a classic pair that can be worn across the board.  Paired here with a dress really keeps them simple and neutral but don’t be afraid to throw them on with boy-friend jeans and a tee.  Be prepared to see THESE heels a lot more in the coming months.

My EARRINGS are apart of the Sugar FIx line from Bauble Bar.  I love the great price, the great selection and the availability.  I mean who doesn’t shop at Target….. you know you do.

As always I have tried to link several options for all the items in varying price ranges.

rainy reflections and sunny starts

I am thankful each day for Brendan.

I am appreciative of those friends who continue to support and lift me up.

I am blow away by my love for Declan.

I am grateful for my parents undying support and love.

I am lucky to do what I love and share my life.

I am blessed to live in a place that is endlessly gorgeous and breathtaking.

I am indebted to the memories of my life and how they have shaped me.

August weather seems to be as unpredictable as my life; rainy and reflective mixed with a fair amount of sun and fresh starts.  Despite the ever changing forecast of life I am confident knowing that each day I am given the gift to embrace, love, reflect and change.

With Love,

 

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