Looking Back & Blogger Meet-Up

2015 wasn't my favorite year if I'm going to be frank. Not to say that it was terrible, or that some personal growth didn't occur because I believe that every year we are alive is a chance for self-improvement. But it was a bit lackluster. Not much changed in my world, aside from watching dear friends get married, continuing to help at-risk children through my work, and teaching my puppy to better behave herself. That was a feat in itself!

I have gotten closer to a point where I feel more comfortable in my own skin, albeit there's always something to complain about. I think I stayed true to my personal style - classic pieces with fun accessories thrown into the mix to keep things fresh. Here are my gems from 2015.

If you have questions on anything you've seen, let me know in the comments and I'll be sure to answer them!

One last thing that just happened and that was a definite highlight of my year was meeting some new (and true) blogging friends last week. Caryl flew in to visit family, Rachelle, Charnele, and Daphnee came from Miami on vacation, and Gina was sweet enough to pick the spot for this momentous occasion! I can't recap the experience as brilliantly as they have, but I do want to share a few pictures from the lunch. 

Pacific Coast Grill

Photo c/o Gina

We devoured the creme brulee

Rachelle, Caryl, Gina

Added in these lovely ladies, Daphnee on the left and Charnele next to me

Then, Rachelle did something epic. She became my photographer! Move over Nate :)

She let me borrow her sunglasses

Thank you Rachelle!

Pretty good, right?! I really hope we can all get together again next year because our personalities mesh so well and I truly adore these women. 

I truly adore all of you too. Thank you so much for another year of supporting this little blog, and for bringing me so much joy. I started this journey years ago, and although blogging has changed tremendously and I've struggled to keep up, I still love it more than ever. I hope 2016 is fruitful for us all. More to come...

Continue the post

Blogger Meet Up

Over the weekend, I had the pleasure of attending a blogger/Instagram meet-up with six lovely ladies whom I had never met before. We ate brunch in downtown San Diego at a former Top Chef contestant's restaurant called Searsucker. I was extremely nervous because I get social anxiety, even around people I know! My husband did the usual "just relax and go" speech that morning as I was contemplating backing out. There is no logical reason for my nerves, and I am perfectly aware of that. So I went, and I had a great time. All of the ladies were friendly, down-to-earth, and easy to talk to. Putting myself out there is difficult, but I never regret it. Think of it like going to the gym. You may come up with excuses as to why you can't go, but as soon as you're there, you are proud of yourself and you feel so accomplished afterwards. I definitely feel like I've made some new friends and I hope we all keep in touch. Connecting is honestly the best part of blogging. It may terrify me, but it's also a great way to network with like minded people.

I hope you'll take a look at their blogs and Instagram accounts. Here they are in order from left to right:

Jean - @ThePreppyPHD

Alyssa - @AlyssaGutten Blog: Alyssa with an A

Norma - @NVCampos She also makes jewelry: normavcampos.origamiowl.com

Crystal - @Caligirl_Fashions 

Megan - @mkashing Blog: A Stylish Start

Sara - @skashing Blog: A Stylish Start

I had the crab eggs benedict and it was heaven. I'm a benedict addict, and if it's on a menu, I'll always order it without fail. 

After the meet-up, we all parted ways and my husband and I caught up with our best friends. They live in Little Italy, so we spent the rest of the day people watching since it was comic-con week in San Diego. I hope we have more meet-ups soon, starting with my lunch with Gina this coming Monday :)

Continue the post