2014
Happy Holidays
12.25.2015 • 2014, Christmas
This year I had fun creating our Christmas card. We only sent out a handful and most of them went to family - especially since Adam has a HUGE family, they usually take up our card allotment. But I wanted to share it with all of you as well. A Christmas card and a 2014 Year in Review info graphic. My parents always included a little letter with their card telling everyone about our family and the year we had. An easy way to catch it all for anything not caught on social media. So I decided to put my own spin on it this year!
Keeping Your New Year's Resolution
12.23.2015 • 2014, Motivation, Resolutions, wellness
2015 is creeping up faster than you could have imagined. And what is one thing we all do with the new year? Make resolutions. Admit it! You make resolutions. Sometimes you declare them and something you make them in your mind. But either way, we all look at a new year as a new start. We all say things like "this year I am going to...." and then we fill in the blank with whatever we hope for our new year. But are you keeping your New Year's Resolution? Are you evening remember your New Year's Resolution? There is a key to keeping those resolutions. And it isn't the quality of the goal - it is how we keep it on our mind and how we keep it relevant. Here are a few guidelines I have come up with to keep my resolution.
Plan Ahead. We all know the things we have been wanting all year. When making a resolution, start planning based on the feelings throughout the year. If you don't spend time thinking about it, you goal will be based off of the last few days. Which usually results in a weight goal since you probably ate your weight in Christmas treats. Am I right? Take time to make sure it is a goal you will still want in 6 months and not just until the sugar coma wears off.
Make it something you really want. Speaking of something you want... make sure it isn't just something you want but you wanted. What sort of life changes have been on your mind? Weight? Career? Relationship? Make sure it is not only something you will want in 6 months, but something you have wanted in previous months. Otherwise the novelty of it all wears off.
Limit your list. Think about what you already have on your plate. Are you swamped at work? Do you volunteer more than a normal human? Or are you just enjoying life day by day? Your resolution should never feel like a burden. Make sure you only add as many resolutions as you know you can control. I usually stick to one or two. That way my year is focused around that.
Make a plan. Once you have an idea of what you want to do, sit down and make a plan. A feasible, attainable plan. Think about how you will accomplish your goal.
Write it down. Write it all down. Write down the resolution, the killer plan you just made, and any specific dates, numbers, and anything else you will want to be able to track. Once it is written, it is in the forefront of your mind. It doesn't got lost in the background like, "Oh yeah... that was my resolution."
Display it somewhere. Don't hide it! If you take the time to plan it and write it, you might as well leave it out as a constant reminder. I am a firm believer in out of sight, out of mind. So leave it in sight, and in your mind.
Talk About It. Tell someone. Your spouse, your bestie, your hair stylist, your mom. Tell anyone that can ask you about it later and follow up with you. If they know that is your goal and you bring it to them, they wont be afraid to check in. And don't be afraid to talk about it on the day to day. The more you mention the more confidence you will have in your ability to accomplish.
Track Your Progress. Make sure you know how you are doing. This all comes back to being specific in your goal - which if you haven't heard of a SMART goal, you might want to check it out. If you are specific with things you want to change in your life, you can track it closer. Want to limit time on social media? How many minutes are you going to cut out? Want to stop being so snacky? What days are you going to eliminate the treats? Then track those numbers.
Stick to It. You didn't just come up with your resolution on a whim, you came up with it because it is something you truly want to accomplish! That is saying something. Don't give up just because of some persuading or downfalls. Stick to the plan. It takes time! Studies show most habits take 21 days to stick.
Keep Trying. Even if you stick to it, you are going to have your down days. You are changing habits here, people! Don't be hard on yourself when you mess up. Get up, dust it off, try again. If it is important to you, make it important! Don't just say "someday". Keep trying. Keep chugging. You got this!
So let's do this! What are your resolutions for 2015? Think about it. Plan it out. And let's make 2015 our year. Accomplish it all!
2014 Fashion Recap
12.30.2014 • 2014
This year I decided to add in another end of year post all about the outfits from throughout the year. It took me awhile to decide how I wanted to do this one. But when it all came down to it, I decided to put a twist on it that was focused on the people that have made me successful... you! My readers, every single one of you, have put me where I am today. So I decided to share my top outfits from each season based on which ones were most popular with my readers.
S P R I N G
This look got lots of love for the tee. People loved the black on black on black with a stand out white tee - and even better a stand out white tee that simply stated, "Killin' It" It was also my first debut of my very favorite lip color - Stila All Day Liquid Lipstick in Aria. This outfit was a special one in my blogging career because it was the first time I felt like I actually got a hang for the fashion blogging based on the love and reviews from my readers.
This look was featured on Laced Hair's profile. It was one of my first outfits after getting back to Arizona. And the very first one that I tried something different with my hair - pulled back. Which might seem sort of silly, but my long hair being straight down was sort of a security blanket. So the fact that it got shared on a hair profile and all you were supportive helped build confidence in me.
Pants: Target
Top: Gap
Shoes: Target c/o
Short Necklace: Lisa Leonard c/o
Long Necklace: The Shine Project
Earrings: Cents of Style c/o
Bracelet: Jane
Top: Gap
Shoes: Target c/o
Short Necklace: Lisa Leonard c/o
Long Necklace: The Shine Project
Earrings: Cents of Style c/o
Bracelet: Jane
This one started out as a sponsored post outfit about wearing white confidently. But I ended up loving it, so I was so excited when it got good feedback from my readers too. I have a strange love for white pants - but like most women, I had body issues and wondered if I could pull them off. I shared these white pants for the first time a year or so ago, and because I didn't end up on some hater site saying, "She should never wear white pants!" I decided to bring them into more style posts. Oh, and I wear them year round. before labor day and after labor day.
S U M M E R
This kimono is seriously the king of all kimonos. I had been looking for the perfect one for months and months. When I saw this one it was an instant obsession. When it showed up at my house I put it on and lounged like a 1920's movie star. And as soon as it was on the blog it got rave reviews. And now I have seen it pop up on a lot of my friends. I love seeing how we all style the same item so differently.
I was BEYOND excited to share this swimsuit with everyone. A custom swimsuit fit just for you? With colors and all? How can you say no? I was excited to try something new out with the high bottoms and a fun color scheme, but I was nervous to share it with you while it was on my body! But I decided to bite the bullet and go for it. And I am glad I did because you made me feel like a queen bee - and now I don't ever worry about my swimsuit bod. I just rock what I got.
This gold look was one of my favorites to put together. As soon as the tee showed up in my mailbox I knew that was the way it needed to go. Apparently my readers love gold as much as I do! That was the overall theme of your comments, which is perfect because that was my thought process when I was putting it together. A little gold here, a little gold there. In my opinion, you cannot go wrong with gold. I am glad you guys agree with that statement.
F A L L
Top: Aeropostale
Cardigan: Aeropostale
Pants: Cotton On
Belt: Thrifted
Bracelets: Jane.com
Shoes: Target (similar)
Cardigan: Aeropostale
Pants: Cotton On
Belt: Thrifted
Bracelets: Jane.com
Shoes: Target (similar)
People seemed to love the elephant details on the top of this look. Something that I thought would just be a nice touch for an item in my closet turned out to be a slam dunk with my readers. It was actually the second time I wore it - the other post is featured under spring - but they were more noticeable with an open cardigan.
I was asked to join a "How We Wore It" style collaboration by one of my friends. I was really nervous about it - in fact the night before I text a few of the girls doing it to see what they were wearing because I didn't want to stand out like a sore thumb. The next day when we all posted most of them swung by the blog and complimented my outfit. Sometimes it is readers that build each other up and sometimes it is bloggers. I am lucky to be a part of such a supportive community.
This lace tunic was a hit with followers and with Pinterest. A couple of the photos got a handful of pins and repins which was exciting to see. Usually just one photo gets pinned/repinned by people but this time there was a variety or detail and full body photos pulled from the site. I love when people like multiple elements of an outfit rather than just one detail. It makes putting together new things more exciting for me.
W I N T E R
I am pretty sure this one got love strictly for the hair - not so much the outfit. Actually, maybe for the shirt too. That is where most of the comments were directed to - hair and tee shirt. I have never gotten so many likes on Facebook as I did for this very photo! I was completely blown away by the love and support of so many friends and readers. Now I am just trying to figure out what I did differently with hair and makeup that day so I can replicate it again.
Top: Pink Blush c/o
Scarf: Pink Blush c/o
Leggings: Pink Blush c/o
Boots: Macy’s
Lippie: Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Aria
Scarf: Pink Blush c/o
Leggings: Pink Blush c/o
Boots: Macy’s
Lippie: Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Aria
I was excited to see the reviews on this look because it was a simpler outfit. The things people loved about it were the details. The lace elbows that matched the lace scarf and the earrings that somehow matched while at the same time didn't match at all. It added an element to the look that was unique.
Not only was this social media and the blog's favorite look, but it was my favorite of all year as well! I have never felt so pretty and confident as I did in these photos... even if I was slipping on an inch of solid ice while my husband snapped away. I rarely share outfits twice - but I could not help it with this one. I was in LOVE! I was featured on Lucy and Lyla's website, and the best part was hearing back from my contact with the company that after they posted my photo they started hearing from a ton of customers and bloggers about the skirt. She told me she would keep the green look for me though because it was spot on. I had never felt so flattered as a style blogger!
So there you have it! A quick 2014 style recap with the most popular outfits with my readers. I feel so lucky to have supportive readers and a supportive blogging community to get me through my ups and downs of style blogging. I have loved trying out new outfits and creating new looks, so I appreciate your support more than you know! Are any of them ones that you loved from this last year? Do you have any trends you would love to see on the blog next year?
2014 in Review
12.29.2014 • 2014
The easiest way to let you all in on the craziness that has been 2014 is to do a quick recap of every month. The ups and downs and all the in between. 2014 was really and truly one for the books!
January
Excited for a brand new year! We had a few things already on the books and we were looking forward to the adventures ahead. The year started off with a cruise that we had planned during last baseball season. That turned into a cruise that we almost missed due to some god and really crappy customer service... twice. But we made it, only a day late and a million tears later for me. And we loved every second. Once we got home we had to pack up the house because we were getting ready to start a new chapter as we moved to Arizona.
Excited for a brand new year! We had a few things already on the books and we were looking forward to the adventures ahead. The year started off with a cruise that we had planned during last baseball season. That turned into a cruise that we almost missed due to some god and really crappy customer service... twice. But we made it, only a day late and a million tears later for me. And we loved every second. Once we got home we had to pack up the house because we were getting ready to start a new chapter as we moved to Arizona.
February
We got to Arizona the last few days of January. Shipped our car, packed our house, and flew to good old Phoenix. A few days in I started my new job at Phoenix Renaissance Downtown. We lived in the hotel for about a month until we found an apartment to live in. And February was just spent getting into our new place, new jobs, and new surroundings.
We got to Arizona the last few days of January. Shipped our car, packed our house, and flew to good old Phoenix. A few days in I started my new job at Phoenix Renaissance Downtown. We lived in the hotel for about a month until we found an apartment to live in. And February was just spent getting into our new place, new jobs, and new surroundings.
March
Spring training dives into full swing - get it, swing - in March. So we spent a lot of nights spent watching baseball and a lot of days watching baseball. Basically it was baseball at the time. I started contributing to I'm Topsy Turvy - short lived because Ashlee needed to rebrand which meant no more contributors. And at the end of spring training Adam got assigned to South Bend Silverhawks. But right before he left my brother and his family came to visit us in Arizona.
Spring training dives into full swing - get it, swing - in March. So we spent a lot of nights spent watching baseball and a lot of days watching baseball. Basically it was baseball at the time. I started contributing to I'm Topsy Turvy - short lived because Ashlee needed to rebrand which meant no more contributors. And at the end of spring training Adam got assigned to South Bend Silverhawks. But right before he left my brother and his family came to visit us in Arizona.
April
Adam left for South Bend. It was pretty fast and I was pretty lonely right away. Let me tell you something. It isn't awesome being home alone in a new town. And I realized just how important it is to be surrounded by people you love. Which contributed a lot to the changes that would happen later in the year. I also started contributing to Fashion Cache.
Adam left for South Bend. It was pretty fast and I was pretty lonely right away. Let me tell you something. It isn't awesome being home alone in a new town. And I realized just how important it is to be surrounded by people you love. Which contributed a lot to the changes that would happen later in the year. I also started contributing to Fashion Cache.
May
While I was home being lonely I had a lot of offers and a lot of fun visitors in Arizona from my besties to my Mom. I eventually just gave in and went to visit Adam in South Bend much earlier than planned, but I loved every second of the freezing cold. Towards the end of the month Adam got injured and was sent home for rehab. He actually came home the day after I got back from going to Elevate Conference with some new friends. Which is the best conference. If you are looking for one to go to, this is where I suggest.
While I was home being lonely I had a lot of offers and a lot of fun visitors in Arizona from my besties to my Mom. I eventually just gave in and went to visit Adam in South Bend much earlier than planned, but I loved every second of the freezing cold. Towards the end of the month Adam got injured and was sent home for rehab. He actually came home the day after I got back from going to Elevate Conference with some new friends. Which is the best conference. If you are looking for one to go to, this is where I suggest.
June
Due to Adam's minor injury we got an entire unexpected month together in Arizona. We got to try out some fun new places, spend lots of time with the Walkers, and of course... watch baseball. At the end of the month Adam was getting ready to be cleared for play and I went to Disneyland with the parents. Adam was invited... but he had to work. And I really couldn't pass up on Disneyland.
Due to Adam's minor injury we got an entire unexpected month together in Arizona. We got to try out some fun new places, spend lots of time with the Walkers, and of course... watch baseball. At the end of the month Adam was getting ready to be cleared for play and I went to Disneyland with the parents. Adam was invited... but he had to work. And I really couldn't pass up on Disneyland.
July
We were able to spend the 4th of July together and then Adam got cleared to go back to South Bend. He headed out July 6th for Indiana. And the week after I went to home sweet Idahome for the Miss Idaho pageant to choreograph and be bossy. Because that is what I do best. I love volunteering for that organization. So much. And it was great to spend time with my Mom as we slept in the dorms with the girls. And to see all the people that inspired me to keep competing.
We were able to spend the 4th of July together and then Adam got cleared to go back to South Bend. He headed out July 6th for Indiana. And the week after I went to home sweet Idahome for the Miss Idaho pageant to choreograph and be bossy. Because that is what I do best. I love volunteering for that organization. So much. And it was great to spend time with my Mom as we slept in the dorms with the girls. And to see all the people that inspired me to keep competing.
August
Adam and I were getting ready to celebrate two years married. I asked for it off. It did not get approved at first. My boss said it was fine because it was "only our second anniversary". But then a sweet lady offered to switch her time off so I could go see my husband. This was all also the icing on the cake of my dislike for Arizona and my job which led to some hardcore job searching while on vacation in South Bend. But mostly I was just so happy that I went to visit Adam in South Bend.
Adam and I were getting ready to celebrate two years married. I asked for it off. It did not get approved at first. My boss said it was fine because it was "only our second anniversary". But then a sweet lady offered to switch her time off so I could go see my husband. This was all also the icing on the cake of my dislike for Arizona and my job which led to some hardcore job searching while on vacation in South Bend. But mostly I was just so happy that I went to visit Adam in South Bend.
September
This month was a doozy. Seriously. I yook almost the whole month off of blogging. It was crazy enough. Let me tell you how it went. Adam got invited to the instructional league, which was a great start to the month. And then it was all crazy from there. I was interviewing for a few jobs, went to talk to my boss, didn't have the best feels about how things were going, quit my job without a new job offer. That evening and the next morning was spent in panic wondering if I had totally screwed things up. But that afternoon I got offered a new job with Boise State. I also was hired on with Weave Made Media. I started packing the house. Cancelled our lease. Oh, and in the middle of all that I co-hosted the AZ Blogger Meetup. I moved to Idaho to start my new job while Adam stayed in Arizona to finish packing the house, finish up instructs, and then he would meet me next month. It was a whirlwind.
This month was a doozy. Seriously. I yook almost the whole month off of blogging. It was crazy enough. Let me tell you how it went. Adam got invited to the instructional league, which was a great start to the month. And then it was all crazy from there. I was interviewing for a few jobs, went to talk to my boss, didn't have the best feels about how things were going, quit my job without a new job offer. That evening and the next morning was spent in panic wondering if I had totally screwed things up. But that afternoon I got offered a new job with Boise State. I also was hired on with Weave Made Media. I started packing the house. Cancelled our lease. Oh, and in the middle of all that I co-hosted the AZ Blogger Meetup. I moved to Idaho to start my new job while Adam stayed in Arizona to finish packing the house, finish up instructs, and then he would meet me next month. It was a whirlwind.
October
I turned 26 and celebrated with the parents. Then finally, I got my husband back. Adam moved to Idaho once instructs was over. The weekend after Adam got back we went to Twin Falls for a mini family reunion with my side of the fam. And then to make this the best month ever Adam and I bought a house. To end the month we had Adam's parents in town to see our new home and new town. Oh also, my parents bought a house down the road since they are up in Idaho half the year and they borrowed a room in our house until theirs was completed.
I turned 26 and celebrated with the parents. Then finally, I got my husband back. Adam moved to Idaho once instructs was over. The weekend after Adam got back we went to Twin Falls for a mini family reunion with my side of the fam. And then to make this the best month ever Adam and I bought a house. To end the month we had Adam's parents in town to see our new home and new town. Oh also, my parents bought a house down the road since they are up in Idaho half the year and they borrowed a room in our house until theirs was completed.
November
Finally back to a regular schedule, we were able to get back to the things we love. I got back into style and fashion blogging. Adam got back to finishing his degree. And we cooked meals, went on dates, and enjoyed each others company like normals. We spent Thanksgiving in Twin Falls.
Finally back to a regular schedule, we were able to get back to the things we love. I got back into style and fashion blogging. Adam got back to finishing his degree. And we cooked meals, went on dates, and enjoyed each others company like normals. We spent Thanksgiving in Twin Falls.
December
I headed to California for #aPollinateHoliday the first weekend of the month. Then it was just two more weeks until we headed to Christmas in Yucaipa with Adam's side of the family. And the last and best part of the month is always when Adam has his birthday. This year he turned 25.
And there you have it. From Utah to Arizona to Idaho with a little of Indiana in between it was a crazy year. Two new jobs for me. A brand new house. And an exciting baseball year for Adam, we are excited with how things went and are so happy with how they ended. How was your 2014?
You Are Not A Dog
1.03.2014 • 2014, Health, Reward
Yesterday my friend and I were talking about getting healthy. Breaking treat addictions. And what we need to do to get in shape and take back our health. Because it seems to be a common theme for the new year. She said, "What do you reward yourself with when you don't have food?" Being a treat head and a snacker.. I feel like this is a very valid question. I used to always reward myself with food. Cleaned the house? Have some ice cream. Did all the laundry? Have a cookie. Accomplished something super awesome? Grab a cupcake. And it wasn't just me! It is something we are taught from a young age. Win your little league game? We go for pizza. Finish your dance recital? Head to DQ for Blizzards. Graduate from high school or college? Big family dinner. It is society's way of thinking. But then a friend posted a quote that has really stuck with my and I realized it was TIME TO STOP. It goes a little something like this....
So ever since that it has been me thinking out of the box. What things does a human deserve for doing something hard? Or great? Or just regular but for some reason that day it seemed super awesome? veryone will have their own version of what a reward is. It could be something that makes you look good like clothes or jewelry. It could be something the makes you feel good like a facial or a massage. Find out what is rewarding to you, whether it be some alone time or some time out with your friends and make THAT a reward. Here are 50 ideas to get you started!
So ever since that it has been me thinking out of the box. What things does a human deserve for doing something hard? Or great? Or just regular but for some reason that day it seemed super awesome? veryone will have their own version of what a reward is. It could be something that makes you look good like clothes or jewelry. It could be something the makes you feel good like a facial or a massage. Find out what is rewarding to you, whether it be some alone time or some time out with your friends and make THAT a reward. Here are 50 ideas to get you started!
- Pick up a new nail polish color
- Go peruse the local thrift stores
- Watch 30 extra minutes of TV that night
- Indulge in a show you usually don’t let yourself watch
- That top you have been eyeing at the store
- Head to the mall to do some window shopping
- One night of pure sweatpants and no obligations to anyone without any guilt
- Enjoy a footrub
- Sign up to run a race
- Memorize your favorite song or poem
- Go to Barnes and Nobel and just sit and read
- Call someone to tell them about what you did
- Buy some new workout clothing
- Rent a movie from Redbox
- Take a bubblebath
- Buy yourself some flowers
- Get a massage
- Take a few brag minutes and share it on Facebook or Instagram
- Head to the gym and try out a new class
- Re-arrange your furniture or hangup a picture in a new spot
- Get a new book and just sit back
- Go bowling
- Make time to write thank you cards to people that have served you the last month
- Get a spray tan
- Visit your family or friends
- Go to bed early, no really, don’t make excuses or worry about finishing up anything, just hit the pillow
- Take a nice long nap
- Get onto iTunes and download some new music
- Go to Yoga or Barre Method or whatever new workout you want to try
- Get Pinterest crazy and find a new craft to enjoy
- Do a homemade facial with honey and oatmeal
- De-clutter your closet
- Jump in your car and go adventuring
- Buy some jewelry
- New workout clothes
- Pick out a new purse
- Take a break and head to a museum of sorts
- YouTube funny videos
- Vacuum the house
- Go see a matinée by yourself
- Lay around and do absolutely nothing
- Go to your local library and check out a book on tape
- Sleep in as long as you want and don’t feel guilty
- One hour of phone-free time
- Get a manicure or pedicure
- Do something that really scares you
- Plan a girls night with your besties
- Pick out a new color of lipstick
- Go for a walk on a beautiful day
- Get out there and volunteer
So what do you think? Are you ready to step back from those cupcakes and reward yourself with something new? Share your ideas here for everyone! What do you like to reward yourself with?
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