How To Renew Your New Year’s Resolutions

5.31.2016

There’s something about the new year that gives us energy and enthusiasm as we think about the changes we want to make in our lives, but it seems that every year, that energy and enthusiasm fades within just a few weeks. How many of your New Year’s resolutions are you still keeping now that we’re nearing the halfway point of the year? If you’re like the rest of us, the answer is “not very many.” That doesn’t mean it’s too late to start over, however. Whether you have fitness goals, financial goals, or want to free yourself from a bad habit, here are some tips for renewing your New Year’s resolutions months into the new year.



Assess why you didn’t keep your resolution in the first place. There are a variety of reasons that a New Year’s resolution can fail. Assessing your failed resolutions can be easier when you consider what makes for a successful resolution. The most successful resolutions are SMART—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. When reflecting on the resolutions that you made, ask yourself: Was the resolution specific enough that it was more than a mere wish? Was it measurable, with concrete criteria for measuring your progress? Was it achievable, in that it outlined specific steps that fell under your abilities? Was it relevant, in that it would be worthwhile and beneficial to you? And was it time-bound, with a target date that would establish a sense of urgency? Hold up your past resolutions to these questions and see how your resolutions measure up.


Update your resolution accordingly. Now that you’ve assessed how your resolutions measure up to these questions, determine how you can update your resolutions to set yourself up for success. If you made a resolution to lose weight, for example, maybe you could make it more specific, measurable, and time-bound by saying, “I want to lose 15 pounds in six months by going to the gym three times a week.” Or if you made a resolution to read more, you could instead make it a goal to read one book for pleasure each month. Another update you could make to your resolution: share it with someone else who can hold you accountable. Keeping your goals to yourself is another way to set yourself up for failure.
Celebrate the small successes. It’s also important to celebrate the small successes you encounter as you work away at your resolution, so make it a point to do so as you progress. Just be sure that you celebrate in a way that coincides with your goals. If you had a goal to lose weight and become more fit, for example, don’t celebrate be rewarding yourself with an indulgent treat. Or if you had a goal to trim your expenses by $200 each month, don’t splurge on a major expense to celebrate. This is another reason as to why it’s so important to share your goals with others—you’ll have someone to share and celebrate your successes with.


Don’t think of it as a New Year’s resolution. New Year’s resolutions are infamous for failing, and characterizing your goals now as “renewed New Year’s resolutions” really just serves as a reminder that you didn’t quite meet your tackle your goals the first time. So maybe it’s better not to characterize your goals as New Year’s resolutions at all. Instead, think of your goal as a commitment to a lifestyle change, and don’t depend on a time of the year to fuel your enthusiasm. There isn’t anything inherently different about early January that should affect your ability to meet your goals, anyhow. (In fact, you might find it easier to tackle your goals as you draw from the optimism that so often comes with more sunshine and warmer weather at this time of the year.) Decide that you will make goals and plan on accomplishing them no matter the time of the year, and remind yourself that the sooner you get started on your goals, the sooner you can enjoy seeing successes with your goals.



Let go of the past. One major key to making any change in your life is to recognize that past habits and lifestyle choices don’t have to define you. This article puts it well when it says this: “While who you are today is a reflection of who you are yesterday, it doesn’t determine who you will be tomorrow.” So, remind yourself that whatever your past, your future is a clean slate.

By: Maurine Anderson

Styled by 5: Honey and Lace

5.26.2016

May snuck up on us over at Styled by 5 which meant the collab came out a little later than normal. But we got it out for you and that is all that really matters, right? After a lot of back and forth we finally landed on an item and a group to partner with - and then had to rush to get it all taken care of. This month we partnered with Honey and Lace to show you a yellow lacelet skirt. I was a little rushed to get this styled because it arrived right before my trip and so I literally had one day to get it taken care of. But here we go - Honey and Lace, coming at ya.


So I will be honest… I cheated a little this time. I knew what everyone else was wearing for their outfits since they all sent in their photos before I could even photograph mine so I made a big effort to style without the white and nudes that I was originally planning. To be honest – my original idea was white or nude top with a chambray and maybe some sneakers, but when everyone else came in with that color scheme I decided to think outside my original box. So I decided to go with the color scheme that was my mother’s wedding and the guest room at our house – blue and yellow. I pulled out my chunky cobalt heels and found a similarly colored top to pair it with. With the skirt having a fuller look I wanted to show a cinches in look and a semi loose top to add some dimension both ways. I kept it simple, mostly because I was in a hurry, but I also thought the contrasting colors added enough detailing.


Top: Pink Blush
Skirt: Honey and Lace
Shoes: Target

Since we are all sharing the same piece on a different body type here is a reminder of my sizing – I am 5’9″ and I generally wear a 10/12 – 10 on a good day, 12 on a not good day… you understand, right? So I ordered this skirt in a large. With the skirt having a stretch waist band and the material being a little stretchy it worked out perfect, I probably could have done a medium if they did not have a large even. But I really love how this waist band fits so I am gkad I went with the large. I love sharing my style with you, but I also want you to see clothing I style in other body types so you can find what is best for you. So feel free to check out how Kaylynn, Bethany, Jacque, and Alexis styled this outfit as well! And watch for a new piece of clothing styled by 5 every month.

How to Actually Enjoy Planning Your Wedding

5.24.2016

So, you’re getting ready to plan your very own wedding. You may very well be looking forward to the process, but as many former brides will tell you, wedding planning isn’t always all it’s cracked up to be. In fact, many will even tell you that when they never would have considered eloping previously, they definitely did at one point or another during the wedding planning process. So before you let wedding planning get the best of you, here are some tips for actually enjoying preparing for the big day.


Don’t try to please everyone. It’s a wedding. Chances are you’re going to disagree with, offend, or feel guilty about someone during this time. So rather than trying to please everyone as you plan your wedding, stick to what feels right to you and your soon-to-be spouse. After all, this is your day, and you’re ultimately paying for it. If you want a small wedding, then have a small wedding. (You can always have a giant, more informal party later to help people feel included if you want to.) If you and your spouse don’t like dancing, then don’t feel like you have to do a first dance. If the two of you are dreaming of a destination wedding, then go for that. This doesn’t mean that you should ignore people’s emotions altogether—especially those of close friends and family members—but you should definitely work to strike a balance that you and your spouse-to-be are happy with.


Don’t treat your wedding like a performance. This point ties in with the first point. Another important thing to keep in mind as you plan your wedding is that this is essentially a big party for the two of you. You, of all people, should enjoy your wedding day. So as you plan your wedding, keep in mind that yes, you will be the focal point, but you don’t have to spend your day entertaining the other guests. Imagine you and your spouse attending your wedding as well, rather than simply being the spectacle of it.

Keep it simple. If you’re finding yourself stressing nonstop over takeaway favors, save the dates, the guestbook, boutonnieres, centerpieces, the wedding website, and the engagement party, then maybe it’s time to stop and reassess. How many of these things do you actually need? Remember: all you technically need for your wedding is an officiant, plus a few close friends and family members if you’re not eloping. A pretty dress (though not necessarily white or expensive), some refreshments (though not necessarily catered), and some flowers (though not necessarily from a florist) can add a special touch to your day as well. Whatever you choose to invest in beyond that, be sure that you’re only investing in it because it’s important to you. Don’t feel pressured to spend money on things simply because they are tradition or because you have other people telling you that you absolutely need it. Make it you.


Stick to your budget. On a similar note, be sure to decide on a realistic budget from the get-go and to stick to it. Decide on a couple key things that are especially important to you, and from that determine what you don’t need to be spending a significant portion of your budget on. If a photographer and videographer are most important to you, for example, then decide that you will allow yourself to pay for what you want in these two areas, and then make it a point to save money in other areas, such as your dress, flowers, and refreshments. Stretching your budget will only stress you out more as you plan your wedding.

Delegate. Remember: you don’t have to do all of this yourself. There is stress-reducing power in delegation. Consider enlisting a few close friends and family members to help you nail out details that you can loosen the reins on, such as finding a bridesmaid dress, putting together the centerpieces, gathering dessert ideas that match your color palette, etc.


Outsource what needs to be outsourced. If you’re like so many of us out there, you probably have a Pinterest board full of DIY wedding ideas. But before you take on any do-it-yourself project, be sure to ask yourself, “Is the time it’s going to take me worth the reduced cost?” Sure, you might save a few bucks baking your own wedding cupcakes, but when you would have to do so the day before your wedding, when it would take a matter of hours, and when you can buy a beautiful set of cupcakes at your local bakery for a few dollars more, this is definitely something to consider outsourcing. When comparing costs between paying for a service and doing it yourself, don’t forget to factor in the costs of added time and stress on your end.

Plan from the guest list (and not the other way around). This is a good point taken fromthis article on staying sane while party planning. Instead of making overhead decisions about your wedding from the start, try to get a good idea of your guest list first, and then make your decisions from there. This will allow you to make more realistic decisions about things like catering, seating, and favors from the start. If you are suddenly having around 200 guests at your wedding, for example, when you’ve always envisioned having about 100, you might make more streamlined decisions about your catering and decide to forego wedding favors altogether.

By: Maurine Anderson

Cropped and Scalloped

5.18.2016

Cropped tops are my ultimate favorite right now. Which is weird for two reason - usually I prefer everything to be very long to cover the booty and last year I think I stated I hated crop tops. But I have come to embrace them fully. They are great for layering and high waisted everything - and those two things are probably my all time fashion favorites. So when I saw this olive crop top with the darling scalloped details after modeling for Aro and Company, I knew I needed it. Also... this is one of my last drafts turned post with long hair, so cherish it - I know I will.


Undershirt: SexyModest
Leggings: Gap
Cardigan: Old Navy
Booties: Francesca’s

Okay – so usually I wear this top with a high waist skirt or leggings and a cardi – in fact, it made an appearance in last week’s weekday wardrobe with a skirt – but I wanted to show off the detailing so you get a few looks without the cardigan this round. I really love drop tops because I feel like it elongates my body and slims me out even when I am not feeling super thin, we all have chubby days, right?! This crop top spoke to my sole with its simple detailing to give it a unique but causal look that could easily be dressed up. And so there you have it, the crop top that made me fall for the trend I once hated. I also hated booties at one point. Weird, right? How do you feel about the crop top trend?

10 Things That Kill Your Diet

5.16.2016

If you are trying to diet and it seems like nothing you do is enough to shed those last few pounds, read on to see if you are guilty of the 10 common diet killers.
   

Drinking Sports Drinks. While many people believe that sports drinks are a gift from heaven, they’re not as good for you as they would seem. Unless you are doing intense workouts, the amount of sugar, potassium, and sodium in many of these drinks is too much for a sedentary, or even slightly active lifestyle. 

Drinking “Diet”. If you are trying to lose weight, chances are you turn to diet sodas to get your “fix” without the calories. However, “diet” drinks are actually worse for you than traditional soda. “Diet” sodas have been proven to contribute to weight gain rather than weight loss due to the artificial sweeteners and empty calories.


Eating “Low-Fat” or “Sugar-Free” Foods. While not all “low-fat” foods are bad for you, not eating enough good fat (saturated fat) and good cholesterol (HDL) is. Also, many “low-fat” foods contain a lot of sugar and vegetable oil. “Sugar-free” food contains artificial sweeteners that can be worse for you than sugar, leading to weight gain, blood sugar issues, and increased risk of some cancers.

Dousing Your Salad. If you choose to be healthier by eating a salad rather than a burger, you may not be choosing the healthy option after all. Salad dressing is normally full of fat, iceberg lettuce is devoid of nutrition, and croutons add a lot of calories to your salad. Eating a salad is a good option, just make sure that you keep it healthy.

Not Exercising. Dieting is not enough to lose weight. You need to couple diet and exercise in order to effectively shed those extra pounds. A good rule of thumb is to engage in moderate exercise at least 30 minutes a day, 6 days a week, or one hour of light exercise a day, six days a week.

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Mindless Eating. If you tend to eat as you watch TV or snack throughout the day at your desk, it will be very difficult to lose weight. In order to combat mindless eating, don’t bring snacks to your desk or entertainment area, eat using a smaller plate, don’t allow yourself to snack when watching TV, or eat healthy snacks like fruit, vegetables, and nuts.

Drugs and Alcohol. Drugs and alcohol have a profound effect on how our bodies react to hunger and food. For example, marijuana use can cause “the munchies” (to learn more about the effects of marijuana on the body, check out this blog), and alcohol can slow your metabolism up to 70 percent!
Emotional Eating. Nothing can ruin a diet faster than emotional eating. Many people eat when they are stressed, depressed, worried, or upset. However, most people turn to unhealthy food such as ice cream or pizza during these times, and tend to consume a lot of calories to distract themselves from what they are experiencing. 
Eating Like It’s a Race. If you eat in the car or scarf down your lunch like you are in a race, you can be causing harm to your body. It takes about 15 to 20 minutes for your brain to register that you are full, so you may eat more calories that you would if you were to slow down and take your time when eating. It may be wise to sit down and eat your meals at a table with friends or family, and have meaningful conversations during mealtime to help you slow down.  
Cheat Days. Cheat days are both good and bad for your diet. If done correctly, your cheat days can help you lose weight and reward you for being healthy. However, if you cheat too often or if your cheat days turn into stuff-your-face days, they can have the opposite effect on your diet. It is OK to eat out with your friends every once in awhile or eat whatever is served at a wedding, but it is not OK to eat donuts and ice cream every night. If you do slip up, don’t give up! Just try again the next day. 

Eating Right Before Bedtime. Eating right before you go to bed, or getting up in the middle of the night to eat a snack can ruin your diet. Not only does it cause heartburn and insomnia (possibly causing you to get up to eat some more due to boredom), but it can also lead to overeating and weight gain. The food people tend to eat late at night are normally unhealthy and full of calories, as they tend to eat food that they crave rather than a healthy snack. 

By: Darci Maxwell

Weekday Wardrobe

5.13.2016

The first week of short hair has finally hit the blog. I actually attempted to do it every singly day during the week too. You can see that Wednesday didn't turn out so well but that was because I got sick. This week had been busy busy as I get ready for a dance recital weekend and Miss Idaho paperwork and contestant selection. Plus all the things in between and my mind is on overdrive. So basically. The small talk ends here; let's take it to the outfits.


Monday | Dress: Shabby Apple | Heels: Target
Tuesday | Top: A Dip of Darling | Necklace: Happiness Boutique | Watch: Ferral | Pants: Old Navy | Heels: Nordstrom Rack
Wednesday | Top: Agnes and Dora | Pants: Target | Watch: Arvo |Booties: Target
Thursday | Top: Aro and Company | Necklace: Luxy and Lyla | Skirt: SexyModest | Watch: Arvo | Heels: Cousin Couture
Friday | Top: Downeast Basics | Pants: Old Navy | Sandals: Target

All week I was really happy with my outfits – but looking back now Thursday is for sure my favorite. That crop top is killer – watch for it in an upcoming post soon, one of my last long haired outfit pictures of ever. And like I said – the brain is donezo, so I will just close here.Which outfit from last week do you love most?

An Outfit for Everything

5.11.2016

In the summer I travel a lot - trips to see Adam wherever he is stationed for baseball, trips for Miss Idaho things, sometimes a blog conference or two, always some drives to my hometown. Basically I look for any excuse to stay busy, especially on the weekends since I am husbandless during that time. Because of all my trips, I am always looking for ways to pack light. I don't love checking a bag, I prefer to carry it on and off - which means I need to find pieces of clothing that will translate to every vacation scenario you can think of and multiple scenarios per location to save on space. For example - something that will work well in the dry heat of Utah or in the humidity of Alabama but will also be able to double for a day out in the sun, a day of shopping, or going to church. If I can find one thing for all three of those events then I know I can wear it at least twice during the trip. Last year it was flowy tunics that could double with shorts and skirts - this year I wanted a simple dress to layer and accessories differently. And I found it at Olive Avenue.

First up is a more dressy take on the tee dress. I decided to pair it with a hat and heels. I am a big fan of traveling with at least one hat and one pair of heels on any trip. You never know when you might be trapped in the sun and need some shade, be running late and need to throw on a hat, or grab some heels for a fancier meal. I always go with neutrals so it can be worn with whatever.


Dress: Olive Avenue
Shoes: Target

Okay – so I threw on the hat and the heels for this look. This is something that I would be able to wear for brunch with the girls out on the patio. Or if I was heading out shopping but had a lunch date right before or after. I could easily remove the hat to dress it up a tiny bit more for church or a dinner out that is a little more dressed up. But with all that being said – I could trade the dress in for something a little more casual by swapping out just one accessory and different shoes.


Dress: Olive Avenue
Chambray: Downeast Basics
Shoes: Converse

For the more dressed down version of this look I took off the hat and the heels and traded it in for a chambray and some sneaks. This is a simpler look that I would wear out running errands, to a baseball game, or to a quick lunch with Adam before taking him to the field. So with just five items – a dress, two pairs of shoes, and two accessories – I was able to create two different looks. But it doesn’t have to stop there, and that is what I love about this dress! I could put the chambray on and tie it up to give the dress a totally different feel and remove the floral baseball tee portion completely for a dressed up variety, or I could put it on and leave it down and unbuttoned for the same removal and a more casual feel. Tie it up, wear the hat, and put on the heels is a whole different look. Basically what I am getting at is I could pack these five items and be covered for about 3 days worth of events all because of this dress. And beyond that, it is light enough to keep me living the good like whether I am in humidity or a desert. I call this a win, win, win and I am loving having it in my summer packing list. What sort of things do you look for when packing for vacations?

Statement Necklace

5.10.2016

I have always been very particular about jewelry. I love picking out fun pieces here and there but most of the time I wear the same things day in and day out. The focus of my efforts has gone to my hair - long hair with extensions all curled and fluffed to my own idea of perfection. But as you might have caught on by now, about two weeks ago I chopped my hair. Which means it is time start turning my detailing attention somewhere else. And I picked jewelry. I swapped our my daily fitbit and simple gold jewelry for watches, bracelets, and statement necklaces. One of which has been on replay with my ensembles since making the big chop to the hair.


Top: Jane
Pants: Old Navy
Watch: Arvo
Shoes: Target

I was excited to find Happiness Boutique and their killer necklaces. Seriously, there are so many to pick from. I picked this one to dress up outfits but now that I have the lob going on I am enjoying it with lots of different looks. There are tons of jewelry to pick from which is great because they have a customer reward program so you are incentivized for shopping with them. They also host a bi-monthly giveaway – this month it is a legend boho necklace. But best part? Through June 15th you can save 10% at checkout with the code “deidreemme” on orders over 19 euros – oh, did I mention they are a European company, which I think makes them that much more unique for all of you looking for something different than everyone else! What do you think about statement necklaces? Do you see any you love over at Happiness Boutique?

How to Plan for a Major Landscaping Project

5.09.2016

If you are planning to engage in a major landscaping project during the summer months, there are a lot of things to consider. Below are six important things to remember as you take on your project.


Consider Your Family. If you are going to have young kids running around your backyard, you may want to rethink that fragile lawn ornament, or the unfenced pool. If you have pets that dig or eat things, you should make sure that you don’t have any poisonous plants in your yard, and you’ll need to take extra precautions to make sure that they don’t dig up your landscaping. If you will be entertaining guests quite often, you will need to make sure that you plan enough space for people to sit and play. Take the time to think about how you will be using your yard and make sure that your landscaping will fit your lifestyle. 

Plan it Out. The number one mistake people make is forgetting to make a plan, and they end up spending more time or money than necessary. As you take on your landscaping project, it is important to make sure that know what you are getting into. You probably have plenty of idea boards, but now it is time to put them into action. Evaluate the things that you want to do, the potential cost of each project, as well the flow of the different pieces Draw out your yard and then draw your landscaping plan in the space. Make sure that you don’t overlook practical details such as irrigation, lighting, and electricity (if needed). 


Budget. Make sure that you have a budget in place for your landscaping project, and that your project fits your budget. Landscaping can be 30% more expensive than other renovations, so make sure that you properly anticipate the costs. A good rule of thumb is to plan to spend between $4-$5 per square foot, depending on the complexity of your project. Once you have a good idea of what you want to do, take it to a landscaper to get a quote (this is a good idea whether or not you are going to DIY, so that you have a general estimate of how much the project will cost). It is a good idea to set aside at least 15% contingency in case anything happens or your plans change. 

Decide: DIY or Leave it to Professionals. Take some time to legitimately assess your skillset. While you can save money by doing many landscaping projects yourself, it may not be a wise idea, especially if you try to do more than you are able to. Your inexperience can add weeks to the project. On top of that, landscapers have many of the necessary tools to do projects, and they include using those tools in their quotes. To go out and rent or buy these tools can cost hundreds of dollars more to do a project than it would cost a landscaper, who already has them. 


Grow For Your Area. During the design process, you may come across amazing ideas that just wouldn’t work well for your climate. While it would be pretty neat to have a beach-like resort in your backyard with palm trees, if you live in Maine, the winters will kill your plants in a heartbeat. Try to pick native plants so that your landscaping project will be a success. Make sure that you consider the local wildlife and insects as well. 

Keep it Simple. Don’t get too excited and bite off more than you can chew. When you are in the planning process, keep your design as simple as possible. Once you have a plan and budget in place, stick to it. Try not to bring home everything that you see at the garden center or home improvement store, as your landscaping will become cluttered and confusing. 


Don’t Forget to Recycle. Before you begin your project, decide what you are going to do with your extra materials such as grass clippings, stumps, and other leftovers. Many of these items can be recycled to provide necessary nutrients for your newly landscaped yard. Instead of just taking them off to a landfill, use them yourself or recycle them in the proper facilities. Of course, you should make sure that you have a dumpster ready to take care of anything on-site.

Weekday Wardrobe

5.06.2016

I really love when weeks cruise by quickly. This week was the perfect combination of being busy and being able to relax. I spent Monday with my Mom at dinner and then DWTS. Tuesday was spent with Meg and a few of the Miss Idaho titleholders eating pizza for charity. Wednesday was spent getting my tires rotated, grocery shopping, and resting. Lots of rest. Thursday was tap. And now here we are at Friday. Tonight I am working an event at work and then going to the temple if I have time after. Sounds like a good, normal week to me! Now here is last week's outfits.


Monday | Top: Eleventh Avenue | Pants: Old Navy | Heels: TJMaxx
Tuesday | Top: Aro & Company |Pants: Old Navy | Booties: Target
Wednesday | Cardigan: NoVae | Dress: Downeast |Booties: Target
Thursday | Top: H&M |Pants: Old Navy | Flats: TJMaxx
Friday | Top: Gap | Jeans: Old Navy | Shoes: Target

Okay so when I got dressed in the morning I would have picked Monday for my favorite outfit of the week. Because I am loving my new high neck striped top – it will actually be making an appearance on the blog very soon. I am a big fan of high necked things right now. But now looking at all the photos my favorite outfit from last week is Tuesday. I feel like the outfit, hair, and shoes combined came together perfectly. I will admit though – it is weird looking at these long hair photos now that I have chopped all mine off. Which outfit is your favorite?

How We Wore It: Summer Skirts

5.04.2016

I cannot believe it is already time for another How We Wore It. Mostly because I basically took off the month of April from blogging so one of my last posts was last month's before I jumped in with a get back on the horse post last week. Ya dig? In case you need a refresher, this is how it works. All of us were given the same “inspiration outfit” and we were asked to create our own take on it once we let our creative juices flow. Any outfit can be inspired by the colors, the patterns, the pieces, or the textures is fine. So our how we wore it is coming from the inspiration side – with things we already have! Because not many people have the luxury to just go buy a new outfit based on what they see on Pinterest, so you have to work with what you have. First up is the look we used for our inspiration.


This look Summer put together made me excited for skirts again. I have spent a lot of months covering up my legs because they felt too white and I didn’t feel like shaving. I rotated black pants, leggings, and long skirts into my wardrobe pretty regularly. But this look combined with my new found motivation got me to take the first step of inviting my legs out for the summer – and over the weekend I even put on self tanner, although the photos were taken before that miraculous moment. I was excited to take this look and put in my own twist. Here is my rendition of Summer’s Elevate everyday outfit.


Dress: Mikarose
Chambray: Downeast Basics
Shoes: Target
Sunglasses: Firmoo

Okay, you can see for the most part I wore something very similar. I started with my new Mikarose dress – I felt like with the floral pattern and the lace underlay it added the summer vibe I wanted. It is a little darker than the inspiration photo, but I loved the dimension of the blue and pink. In fact, that is why I originally selected this dress from Mikarose. I felt like it could translate to a lot of different things. And that is right – I said dress. I love the idea of finding a dress that can stand alone, which this one totally could with the white lace top to tie in the underlay. But also that can be used for layering to create a different look. Which is what I did here. I put on my chanmbray over the top and tied it up to match the look, but I was able to do less buttons up to let the white pop at the top. I grabbed my blue suede wedges to match the look and then of course my sunnies with the royal lenses to add one more element of color. I stayed pretty close to the look Summer shared but added in a little more color and dimension throughout to give it my own twist.

Want to see more Elevate Everyday inspired outfits? Check out how all these babes styled their look – Emily at Emmy Jake / Brooke at Silver Lining / Suerra at Sierra’s View / Justine at Little Dove / Kiana at Glitter & Donuts / Amber at amber nicole blogs / Tayler at The Morrell Tale / Patricia at haifisch / Kelsi at Lovestrong / Emma atEver Emma / Bekah at These Are The Days / Jenn at GiveThisGirlCoffee / Shelbie at R+S Brereton / Nellwyn at The Cardinal Press / Ruth at My Little Nest. Want to be one of the 15 How We Wore It stylists next month? Don’t forget to sign up!

One Bag, Three Ways

5.03.2016

You know when you find a bag and you just want to sing and shout about it to every person in the world? Or is that just me...? I never knew I could be such a fan of a bag. I was very first introduced to Lily Jade through Alissa when I joined the Pollinate team. And it was literally love at first bag. As soon as I got my hands on my very own Lily Jade I was completely converted. Who says a diaper bag is just for those that actually need to carry around diapers? Not me! I am a big fan of big bags and pockets to organize my caaaa-razy life. You might remember when I talked about packing up Lily Jade for Spring Break. Diaper bags can become beach bags, travel bags, errands bags, and every day bags. But the best part - seriously THE BEST part - about Lily Jade is the convertableness - that is a word, right? - of it all. So today I am bringing you Lily Jade three ways so you can see how it converts to any of your needs.

Let's start with traditional two handle bag. I start here because that is usually what I look for in a bag. Something big and tote-like that I can toss over my should when it is full of my life. More often than not this works for me. Maybe because that is what most purses offer, two mid-sized handles to carry it by. In fact, anytime I had a large bag in high school or college this is exactly what it was. I only ever had a long one handle bag when it was a mirco purse. I prefer to wear it with two straps when it is a a quick grab and go to protect my shoulders. Like I said - this is the most traditional way to wear a purse so it basically works for anything: running errands, meeting friends, travelling, you name the activity and the straps this way will work for you! It might not always be the most convenient, but it works - and that is why Lily Jade killed it with two more options.


Next is the bag turned backpack – and my personal favorite. The reason I originally fell in love the Lily Jade when Alissa showed it to me was because it turned into a backpack. With my busy schedule I am always doing some multitasking while walking long distances or out running errands, and because of that the two strap option wasn’t always feasible because the bag was either slipping off my shoulder or getting to heavy so I would have to keep swapping it back and forth. I love having the option to be hands free when I am out and about by turning my purse into a backpack with just a few adjustments. A few of the times that I love wearing Lily Jade as a backpack are: flying and traveling, out for a long day at a park, walking from shop to shop. As you can see the backpack version becomes my favorite when I am constantly moving around on my feet.


And the final option is the one strap – which I prefer to extend so it swings right at my thigh height, but you can make it as long or as short as the strap allows for your preference. I have recently become a huge cross body fan. It is nice to have some leverage from one side to the other while out and about instead of hanging low on one side. I also feel like it helps my balance, which might be a total made of thing in my head – but hey, I am rolling with it! I like to go with the cross body option when I am walking medium distances but not long enough to convert it to the backpack. So generally I go one strap on one shoulder or cross body when I am: walking from the parking garage and into work, cruising through the mall but will need to set my bag down to try things on or hold things, and heading into baseball games, concerts, shows where they check in the bag so it is easier for the usher to peep inside.


And there you have it my peeps. One awesome Lily Jade bag with all the strap options your heart could desire and your head could dream of. I am rocking the Meggan bag in Brandy – with all the gold detailing, my heart! – but I also have the Elizabeth in Camel. both are killer bags that convert to all three options and have pockets for days inside and out. So I am totally sold. And I will forever sing the Lily Jade praises. If you are in the market for a new leather bag you will not regret shopping with them. Which strap option do you think you would utilize the most?


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