Mental Health Awareness

If you've been reading here any length of time, then you probably know that mental health is a topic near and dear to my heart. Mental illness runs in my family, and it's something I manage on a daily basis. If you'd like a bit of a backstory, I discuss these things in detail, written last year. 

A little summary: I had panic attacks as a kid, and then it morphed into generalized anxiety and depression. I've been to several therapists, have been on and off medication, and recently decided to go back on because I couldn't get myself together a couple months ago. I've been back on for about a month again and am feeling much better. I have a degree in Human Development and have worked in an outpatient drug rehab and in a group home. Helping others has helped in my own healing.

May is mental health awareness month and every Friday in May, I will be discussing a topic related to mental health. 

It's my hope that I can spread awareness in any small way that I can. It isn't easy to talk or write about, but since I have a platform, why not? There is still such a stigma surrounding this issue and putting some focus on it will hopefully help in tearing down those walls that keep people from speaking out.

I've never done a series like this before, and I hope you don't mind delving deeper with me in between my usual style and beauty posts! Hey, we're multi-faceted right? Feel free to email me with any personal stories if you feel too shy to publicly comment. I'm always here to talk.

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)

National Suicide Prevention Hotline

Have a great weekend 💗

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Currently // May

Can you guys believe how quickly 2018 is passing? We are almost at the halfway point, and I'm having trouble wrapping my head around it! May is one of my favorite months and because it's brand new, it also means I'm linking up with Anne in Residence for current happenings/updates.


Currently...

1. Wearing: a new necklace that I've had my eye on since this post (it's even prettier in person). My love of layered jewelry continues, and it's fun coming up with new combinations. I'm also wearing the heck out of this pleated camisole, both on its own and underneath a cardigan on chilly days. As for the beauty department, I went back to a trusted foundation I used in my twenties. It's the perfect finish to combat an oily complexion. And my best friend got me this perfume over Christmas and I love the sweet, floral scent layered with my beloved Kai oil.

2. Celebrating: said best friend's birthday next week! Anyone else love attending other people's parties more than your own? Less stress really. Katie loves to travel (pictured below in Barcelona) so I'm still trying to figure out what to get her...

3. Going: to a Kentucky derby party with a cinco de Mayo flare on Saturday in Orange County. We went last year and had a great time.

4. Creating: less clutter and noise by deep cleaning, tossing out, and re-organizing everything. My loft area is still a question mark. I'd like for it to double as an office space, but I can't quite utilize it in a way that actually serves as a productive place to get real work done. At the moment, it isn't very functional.

5. Sharing: or shall I say, my lack thereof. In March when my girlfriend's and I met up with Gina for her Kendra Scott party, they all sort of dared me to go one week without checking Instagram. I didn't think it would be possible, but I did it. In fact, I went almost two weeks. Ever since, I'm trying to find my balance. I feel obligated to share for many reasons, but I also find myself overwhelmed with keeping up, posting the "right" pictures, and failing to grow my following. I think this balance is unique to everyone. Thoughts?


Thank you for reading! What does your month look like?

Linking up: On the Daily Express & Straight A Style

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Adding Yellow To Your Wardrobe

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!

Now that it's nearly May, my calendar is starting to fill up with fun outdoor events. Because of this, I'm really feeling much more inspired in the clothing department. I often struggle with creativity, but the promise of Summer gives me that extra kick I need to assess how I'll be styling pieces, both new and old. One way I get inspired is by the use of color, and this year I am loving yellow! Bright marigold (especially as an accent) paired with white and denim. I don't think there's a happier hue.

Wearing // 1.State top, Old Navy jeans, Clare V bag, Old flats but Similar here & here, C. Henry necklace

Beauty // NARS Sex Machine lips, Kai perfume

I'm sometimes intimidated of vibrant colors, but in small doses it can look so fresh and youthful. Yellow is one of those shades that just makes people smile, so why it's not more popular is beyond me! It looks beautiful on everyone, but if you're a little shy like I am just start with an accessory first. Then, watch your mood instantly lift 😊

Linking up with Pink Sole & More Pieces of Me

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How I Do Spring

Wearing // Old LOFT dress (love this & this) Steve Madden sandals, Clare V bag, Gorjana rings

 I always struggle with sharing clothing that isn't available any longer, but I'm coming to the realization that a personal style blog should be...about my personal style. The point isn't about buying an exact item I feature, but to hopefully provide ideas more than anything. And can we all agree that everyone should own a flirty little day dress? I think so! 

I bought this printed dress from LOFT last year, and I've worn it to a baby shower, bridal shower, and out on the weekends. The flutter sleeves and flounced hem give it extra movement which I love. I normally prefer fit and flare dresses on my body, but once in awhile I like to try something different.  I'm not as comfortable in shorts so dresses are my go-to in Spring and Summer when temps easily hit over 100. I throw on some suede sandals (I have these in nude and black as well), a neutral bag, and simple gold jewelry to look put-together with honestly no effort! The warmer months should be all about ease. What's your favorite Spring outfit?

Linking up with Gina, Amy Ann, and Brooke

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