1.17.2019

At the start of each new year, I sit down and write a list of things I want to accomplish, bad habits I'd like to break, areas I wish to improve. I imagine a utopian version of my life. "If I change ____, then I'll be happy!"

 I've said this a hundred times and it's worth repeating - I love the feeling each January of having a seemingly blank slate with the hope of making "this year the best year of my life!" There's always a small part of me that doesn't really believe that, but I'm always extremely hopeful. The possibility of something truly amazing happening fills me with excitement.

Now that we are well into 2019 and I've read countless blog posts (all of them excellent by the way) about others' hopes and dreams for the year, I've come to the conclusion that I don't have much to resolve this time around. Usually I'm in such a rush to put plans into motion - not this time. This time, I really just want to focus on allowing myself grace.


Grace to go at my own pace, grace to be my imperfect self, grace to try again after I make mistakes. If 2018 was my year of inconsistency, 2019 will be my year of being kinder to myself.

I'm a Virgo, so by definition I'm my own worst enemy. I'm forever waiting for something to go wrong, as if worrying enough will somehow prevent it.

This year, I want to just be. I suppose that's a cop-out but it's all I want.


As for the blog, I'd really like to focus on two things: Writing more extensively about different subjects that interest me, and connecting more with you guys. I'll admit that part of the reason I don't blog quite as often is because I'm not always in the mood. I want my posts to have value, but the pressure I put on myself has been stifling. The last year has made me second guess every sentence I write, every photo I take. With so many great blogs out there, sometimes I just feel like I'm not adding anything. But is that really true? I started this blog ten years ago! Of course I've changed, as I hope many of you have as well. I'd like to explore those changes without fear.


If there's anything you would like to see more or less of, please don't hesitate to reach out! Have you made any plans for the year, or are you taking it slow as well?

1.09.2019

Happy New Year! I'm not sure why it's taken me so long to write my first post of 2019 but I'm back today with a little reflection on the year that was. I almost jumped right into discussing my intentions for 2019, but I always like to wrap up the last year here so I can get some closure and move forward.

2018 was actually a good year for me. I was able to curtail my spending, I enjoyed more time outdoors, I made my health a priority, and I took a fun trip to Mexico with my best friend. But in the interest of being completely honest and transparent with you guys, it was also very inconsistent. Meaning, I was very inconsistent. I think I made some headway in managing my anxiety and depression, but it was more of me just pasting a smile on my face and trying to will myself into contentment. In reality, I spent a lot of time ruminating and I went back and forth from being social and having a full calendar to feeling utterly alone and isolated. As usual, I did it to myself. I'd have weeks where I felt great, and then my mood would completely shift and I'd have weeks where I wouldn't even want to leave the house. I would tackle a goal, but then retreat and feel like a total failure. I did this in so many areas of my life. Exercise, school, even blogging.

 If I could sum up 2018 in one word (as is the popular thing to do right now), inconsistent would be my word...


Sometimes, positive thinking can actually do more harm than good if you're not addressing an issue. Because although my attitude in general was much more positive in 2018, there were still negative thoughts brewing underneath the happy platitudes, and really I just tried to conceal them rather than overcome them. Fake it til you make it! It sounds great and all, but after awhile I just felt like I was faking everything. It became exhausting at times, and that's when I would withdraw. There were events I missed, appointments I canceled. I blogged less and tried my best to disconnect from social media. I sometimes wondered if I should stop blogging altogether, but I've always enjoyed it and I think I'd feel a void if I quit. So I'm still here! 



I'll discuss my outlook on 2019 in my next post, but I don't have ANY expectations as of now. The best parts of last year came from unexpected plans, spontaneous little adventures, and spending quality time with the people (and four-legged friends) that I love and I just want to continue to do more of that. 


Seeing these beautiful ladies over the holidays was most definitely a highlight of 2018. I wish we all lived closer so we could get together more often! We all met for dinner at Rustic Root in downtown San Diego and then went to a bar across the street. How fabulous do they look?!

So tell me, if you could sum up your 2018 in a word or phrase...what would yours be?

12.27.2018


Christmas is over and the countdown to New Years has begun! I hope everyone who celebrated enjoyed some quality time with loved ones. Nate has had a few days off so I haven't really been in the mood for sitting down to blog on my computer...My friend Rachelle decided to take the entire month of December off from blogging and I think that's the way to go! Oh, and more about Rachelle and meeting up with our other blogging friends soon!

But for now, let's talk about sequins. They are ubiquitous during the holidays and for good reason. You can go all out in a sequin skirt or dress, or you can do what I've done here and dress them down a bit.

Wearing // Old Shop Tobi sweater, Old Zara sequins skirt, Ted Baker bag, Sam Edelman flats, Gorjana rings



Honestly this has been my favorite holiday outfit I've worn in years. For any of my longtime readers, do you guys remember this gold sequin skirt? I think I've had it for about 6 or 7 years! Maybe longer because it was way before I got married. I bought it during a big Zara sale and wore the heck out of it. Somehow, miraculously, it has survived countless closet clean-outs. Recently I saw Helena from Brooklyn Blonde wearing an oversized sweater with a sequin mini, and it inspired me once again to bring on the shine for a nice dinner out. It would obviously be perfect for New Years Eve, although we don't have any plans yet so you might just find me in PJ's instead! Either way, it feels great to get reacquainted with an older item of clothing. It's like visiting with an old friend.

Are you into sequins for the holidays?

12.11.2018


On Saturday, I co-hosted a Christmas party with my best friend at her apartment in San Diego. We wanted it to be fairly casual but also festive! When we arrived at their place, her husband surprised us by dressing up as Santa. She went all out with tons of shimmering lights, candles, a beautiful tree, and a naughty elf that kept sneaking up to her bar cart every few minutes. We exchanged white elephant gifts and laughed the night away. Honestly it was so much fun. The holidays can be pretty hard on us emotionally. We both get the holiday blues for different reasons...but celebrating together helps. I'm hoping it can become a tradition, something to really look forward to each year.


In planning my outfit, I knew we were going to be inside most of the time so I just wanted to be comfortable yet also look put-together. I guess that's always my style philosophy! I love this Leith dress so much in gray that I had to have it in black as well. I threw on my burgundy jacket, a little leopard, and I was good to go. 

Have you gone to any parties yet this season? What did you wear?!