Happy New Year

Wearing //

Old Express dress purchased on ebay

Macy's duster coat, similar

Rebecca Minkoff bag, gifted from Carylee

Asos pumps, similar here and here

Kendra Scott ring, I have this one too

Stella & Dot sparkle studs

Happy 2017! Did you guys have a great holiday week? I certainly did. I went to the snowy mountains one day, followed by the ocean the next. California is pretty cool in that sense. Nate had the entire week off so we tried to fit in as many activities as we could. We also spent a lot of time getting together with friends and family, which we had been neglecting for a couple months.

And, he turned 35 on December 30th so I planned a night out in San Diego where I wore this little number. Unfortunately it rained that day, but the weather didn't stop us from having a wonderful time and dancing the night away. The last time we went to a club was in Vegas so it was a treat to let loose.

I know a lot of people are writing about their goals and resolutions for this year. I've never been into resolutions in the traditional sense, but I do think they assist in keeping you accountable. It's tremendously important to have a clear focus, otherwise the same old habits continue to confine us. I need optimism now more than ever. I already mentioned some of my thoughts on Instagram, but here's the general gist:

• Be a better human being. 
• Get back into shape (I already started this yesterday but I know it's the most cliche resolution out there. I have to admit that having a blog where I've seen my weight go up over the years can sometimes make me feel extremely self-conscious and ashamed).
• Continue school and get my certificate in writing/copy editing/digital media.
• Travel a bit more. We'd like to explore the country since neither one of us really have. On the list is the Grand Canyon, Utah, Napa, D.C. and...anywhere but here really. Not that we don't love Cali but there is a lot more to see!
• I say this every year but I'd like to read more.
• Change what I can, accept what I can't. 
• Don't let what other people do, say, or think get under my skin. I am who I am, you either like it or you don't and the same goes for others. 
• Start trying for a baby this Summer.
• Above all else, be a better human being.

You can read my post at this time in 2016 here if you care to look back. I think you will find it very interesting considering what I wrote!

I do have a positive feeling about this year, something I haven't felt in a long time. It's a fresh start, a clean slate. It's up to us how we spend our time. I hope you'll continue to spend some of yours here with me 😊

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Best of Beauty 2016

This is my last post of 2016! Hard to believe that the year will be over in a blink, but so it goes like this every December. Similar to my round-up of style last week, I wanted to share my favorite beauty products that I reached for time and time again. I hope this gives you some ideas if you're wanting to try new products. I recommend these to anyone! If you have any specific questions, feel free to leave them below and I will be happy to give a detailed description.

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Faux Fur

Wearing //

H&M sweater

Express jean leggings

Sole Society fur scarf and pumps

Michael Kors bag

Beauty //

Benefit Balm

When I think about taking these photos, I can't help but smile and laugh! You all must know by now that Nate takes my pictures, and I wouldn't have it any other way. In the past, I've thought about hiring a pro, but number 1) I can't afford a pro 2) I wouldn't feel comfortable posing for anyone else and 3) my blog is small and I want to keep it that way.

 I truly dislike being in front of the camera. Hey, before you roll your eyes and state the obvious, relax. I know that sounds ridiculous, but it's the honest truth! Even taking selfies with my best friend involves her coaxing me, a snap filter of some sort, and usually a few drinks. Because whenever I take pictures, I feel like I'm back in high school and it's prom season. 

I've come a long way though, since I can now comfortably go out in public for these. But I always keep certain things in mind: What do I do with my hands? How can I make each photo look different? Am I capturing the outfit and its details properly cuz Lord knows I'm not a skinny mini model and I don't need you staring at my gut thinking "I wonder if she's pregnant yet?" For the record, I've been asked that on here before, and no I am not. I just like cheese. 

This particular "shoot" I couldn't stop laughing because Nate was cracking jokes the entire time and I felt like a fool wearing the faux fur stole. I do like it, and I really think it'll look beautiful tucked into one of my trench coats. But it's definitely not something I'd normally wear, and I kept taking it on and off, trying to decide if it was going to translate well in photos. I think it does, but I'll leave you to decide...

 I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!

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Best of Style 2016

Since the year is quickly coming to an end, I wanted to showcase some of my favorite style moments of 2016. I'm no Rachel Zoe, so I guess having a "style moment" sounds silly, but hey, that is why most of you stop by right?

This year, I definitely was a repeat offender. I wore so many pieces over and over again - I have found that having a smaller selection in my closet helps me get ready in a pinch, and I know that everything fits relatively well (with the exception of a few things that are too snug but can't let go of just yet). It's hard being a style blogger today and NOT giving in to every sale, promotion, or outfit that another blogger is wearing, but I'm at the point where having too much clutter isn't good for me. I don't want to rely heavily on possessions to make me happy; rather I'm working towards finding that within. It's a novel concept. Although I love having this space to share my finds, I think it's important to take it with a grain of salt. I know you understand.

Laura explains this better than I can. 

Anyway, some discoveries of keeping a style record in 2016:

1. Favorite color combinations

• Blue and white
• Olive and white
• Red as an accent

2) I really like black pumps. I own four different pairs.

3) I have about ten pairs of jeans in my closet, but really only wear half of them regularly.

4) Little dresses are my "thing"

5) Little bags are also my "thing"

6) Fit and flare styles flatter my body best, since I'm slightly smaller on top than I am on the bottom.

7) I wear the same sunglasses too often! I promise I have eyeballs. I think most of you know that but I'll try to skip them more often in the future.

8) My style is really simple, bordering on...boring?

I plan on doing a round-up next week of my favorite beauty finds this year, so stay tuned for that! I also have a few more outfit posts planned. I just wanted to get this up before things get too hectic! Have a Merry Christmas to those who celebrate, and I'll see you back here on Monday. 

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