Carlsbad Flower Fields

Nate and I have been trying in vain to see the Carlsbad flower fields for literally two years now. I clearly didn't do my homework, because the flowers are only in bloom from March through May, and we always attempted to go during the Summertime. You'd think I would just google it, but nope. I just figured eventually it would happen, and finally this weekend, it did. This post is picture heavy because it's hard to narrow down which picture is prettier than the next! Most of these aren't touched up at all because mother nature doesn't require filters. I hope you enjoy!

Elizabeth Stone Jewelry

Express dress

Kendra Scott bracelet

Sole Society heels, similar

Gorgeous right? I really can't describe it in any other manner. I'm basic that way. I will say that it was too crowded for my liking, so if you can go during the week, I'm sure you'll enjoy it more. You can't actually go into the fields, which makes sense logically but people couldn't help themselves and they got yelled at for attempting. I wanted to lie in the flowers, but that will never be the case, at least not in the Carlsbad flower fields. I'll try my luck somewhere else.

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Mama Wants a Brand New Bag

I'm getting that itch again. The one where I get ridiculously obsessive about my next big purchase, and that always means a handbag. I've said it before - some women love shoes, some lust after diamonds, and some like myself well...it's all about that next beautiful bag to add to my (rather small) collection.

Here's the criteria:

• Must be practical and multi-functional
• In keeping with the upcoming Spring and Summer, I want one in a lighter color
• Which color have I narrowed it down to? Either beige, white, or blush
• I'm also in the market for a crossbody/saddle style. Trendy at the moment, but when it comes to bags in particular, the saddle bag comes back around every few years.
• Must be leather and of good quality because my bags are forever - quality over quantity
• Must be under the $400 range. As much as I'd love a Chloe, Saint Laurent, Balenciaga, or Valentino, I just can't bring myself to save for one just yet. There are other pressing matters in life. I have to be realistic. 

I'm not one to jump at the chance to make a big purchase. I like to do some research, mull over my options, and then narrow the choices down to two or three. Sometimes I'll ask for others' opinions, but most of the time, I go with my gut because ultimately it's my money and I'm the one who is going to carry the bag! 

Some pretty options that are in the running:

Kate Spade 

Loeffler Randall

Michael Kors

Gigi New York

Milly

Which do you ladies prefer? It's hard to narrow down to just one! 

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Fake It Til You Make It

Wearing //

Express cami

American Rag moto jacket, similar

Express jeans (current favorite, so soft!)

Michael Kors bag

Beauty //

Essie ladylike polish

Anxiety sucks. I know I've briefly mentioned this before, but because I like to keep my blog a little less personal and a little more frivolous, it's not something I write about often. Over the weekend, I had a conversation with one of my best friends about what she's been experiencing lately, something I didn't know about. She told me that her anxiety has gotten to the point where it's preventing her from living life to the fullest. As I listened to her speak, I realized that I let anxiety do the same thing in my own life. I get uncomfortable around large groups of people, I avoid or turn down opportunities that could benefit me, and I even cancel appointments because I get nervous just being around people. I know that may sound crazy to some of you, but for those of us that struggle with it, the fears and phobias are very real. As a behavior health specialist, I teach my kids to cope with their emotions by talking to a friend, going for a long walk, or listening to music. There are plenty of ways to cope with negative thoughts and feelings, but I don't really take my own advice. I'll ignore a problem, or I do whatever possible to avoid a conflict. It's because I want to be comfortable. My whole life I've just made decisions based on being comfortable. Does that make sense? I'm pre-wired to think this way, and it's really unfortunate because I know that I'm not living life to the fullest. So Nate told me to just fake it til I make it. Get up, get dressed, and go about the day. Don't over analyze, don't let worry stop you from getting out of bed each day. I do see a therapist and I take anti-anxiety medication which does help, but I have to do the work myself. I'm not sure why I picked today to share this, but sometimes I don't know what shallow things to write about. The outfit pictures illustrate that part for me :) I hope those of you who are suffering from a mental health problem get treatment, and I encourage you to talk about it with friends. You'll quickly realize that you are not alone. 

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