This picture was captured by my incredible husband this past week and I truly felt like it captured my essence. I am finally feeling like I have energy again and wanted to share insights to why I’ve been quiet on the blog this year. The past five and a half months brought a whirlwind of things I did not expect. Many of you guys have followed my journey over the years, but for some of the new faces I had a baby five months ago.
Read MoreThis past year has amounted to an extreme amount of growth. Almost a year ago, I made the decision to go back to one-on-one counseling to sort out some stuff that was surfacing emotionally in my life. It was so hard, but I finally feel like I’m on the upswing and things are more manageable. It’s easy to make excuses in our lives for behaviors we did when we were not at our best. It’s also really easy to blame others for the things that went wrong. Ultimately, accepting full responsibility for my life has given me freedom and inner power I did not know a few years ago. I’m going to share with you today 10 Things I Learned this Year in hopes of inspiring you to rise above your current state of being into a higher version of yourself.
Read MoreFor the past year, I’ve struggled to feel spiritually challenged. For most of my life, I’ve constantly sought to expand my spiritual knowledge and push myself to educate myself about theology, religion, spiritual topics, and the bible. I’ve studied the Bible in depth for the past 30 years dissecting it, cross referencing, and getting involved in small group Bible studies to understand God better and what his word says. I’ve also studied a plethora of other spiritual practices and viewpoints including angel numbers, numerology, Buddhism the history behind the Islamic religion, and Catholicism practices. I wanted to truly understand the world’s viewpoints on faith, hope, righteousness, and what God had to say about them.
Read MoreAfter a grueling weekend last week, I made a decision Saturday afternoon to do a 48-hour social media detox. Being a blogger and influencer comes with the price of constantly being on social media through posting content on multiple platforms, engaging with followers, and then responding in direct messages. It’s such an incredible way to create a space in the world but sometimes we all need a break. I desperately did. I started feeling a little out of touch with myself. I felt like I had a million things tugging at me and I was struggling with mindfulness. I put a quick plan together and then alerted my boyfriend and kiddo that I would be offline and intermittently checking my phone for the weekend. Here’s what I did in hopes to inspire you to take that much-needed downtime.
Read MoreI’m sharing a live on Facebook this Friday at 8:30pm on Five Steps to Start a Blog. You can register here and its a FREE Masterclass. We will cover some of what I share in today’s post, plus so much more. You will walk away feeling empowered and equipped with a game plan to launch your own blog. So with further ado, let’s jump into today’s discussion on how to start your own blog in five easy steps.
Read MoreWow! What a weekend! After taking this last year to really ground myself and work on transformation from the inside, I finally made it out for the Laura Ashley 70th Anniversary Event with Growing Up Texas! It was so incredible to meet Jennifer and Mike who restored a vintage Grand Station with Laura Ashley printed fabrics. The event was hosted at one of my favorite local hotels, The Stella and catered by Campfire Grill. The whole experience was out of a storybook and unfolded beautifully as we mixed and mingled on Saturday afternoon.
Read MoreI cannot believe this is actually happening! This past month Three Heel Clicks released a few apparel items and now we have a collab with What’s the Buzz Specialty Coffee located in College Station, TX. We’ve teamed up to bring you the most incredible high-quality coffee. This is an artwork in a cup and tastes incredible. I’ll be sharing so much more about the process of coffee and various methods of brewing a cup so make sure you subscribe to my newsletter.
Read MoreToday I wanted to share the new cropped sweatshirt! It comes in mauve, dusty blue, and black. It’s designed to be lightweight enough for Spring and Summer months but also is the perfect amount of soft and cozy to slip on after a workout or when you are feeling like you need a little lift for your mood. I love the perfect shade of this one and how the cut shows off your hips and waist.
Read MoreSometimes we don’t need a long blog post, we just need a quick reminder and that’s just what I’m here to do for you. Remind you that you were created for something purposeful. You were created to shine a light on this world. You were created to shine. So go now…shine bright like a diamond.
Read MoreFor today’s look, I paired the cutest blazer and fleece-lined jeans from Luvamia available on Amazon. I threw on a V-neck tank top and my new favorite two-toned pumps that are so ladylike from Elizee’s. Designed with ultimate comfort in mind! I think this heel height is perfect for a workday or luncheon. I finished things off with one of my favorite black purses from Michael Kors complete with gold hardware that matches my Kendra Scott gold filigree earrings.
Read MoreHappy New Year! So excited about the things to come in the next few weeks! We are already a third of the way through this 30 Days of Outfits series! I shot a bunch of looks over the holidays and cannot wait to share them with you. Today I’m wearing this sexy form-fitting green dress from Luvamia (available on Amazon). I love love love the way it fits! The slit is in the perfect spot and the dress comes in a few different colors. I paired it with satin and rhinestone embellished mules and added a pair of sparkly statement earrings. You can shop the entire look here!
Also, I just launched a one-hour photography course that is complete with your own Lightroom preset which I used to edit the photos you see here. Treat yourself and your Instagram feed this year by learning how to take incredible pictures using your cell phone!
XOXO Crystal
Read MoreFor today’s look of 30 Days of Outfits, I’m sharing a really cute girls’ night out or date night look. I paired this black lantern sleeve sweetheart neckline top (that I also have in pink see here) with a suede-like mini skirt. Platforms are really in right now and this is such an affordable option. I grabbed them in black but there are so many other colors. I added a feminine clutch and a pair of statement earrings.
Read MoreToday is now Day 6 of 30 Days of Outfits! This series has been so much fun to put together. Today I am sharing the cutest travel look. Bosidu sent me this adorable striped bag that has so many compartments! I love the design and the quality and they are giving you guys 20% off using this link. This makes a perfect last-minute gift for your travel companion. I paired it with these adorable capri pants that are the perfect length for even short legs like mine! They come in a variety of colors but this canyon pink had me at hello. I paired it with more stripes and then added blush sneakers to elongate my legs. Since I’m only 5’0 I use all the tricks! You can shop the whole look here and browse the other 30 Days of Outfits here!
Read MoreAre you feeling stuck? I understand. I’ve been there several times throughout my life. Sometimes I was facing a blockage that needed to be cleared and other times I had resistance. I’ve found one thing to be true in both situations. If you feel stuck, time to work on yourself. Look to your daily habits, what you are feeding yourself and how much joy you are experiencing. The thing is, we all get off track sometimes. We all have dips and valleys in life. It’s what makes the high points so pleasurable. If you are lacking glow right now, here are five ways to get it back. PS - I recently shared these on Facebook in a quick video!
Read MoreThree and a half years ago I decided I was willing to give up anything I had to to make my life better. I was no longer willing to let a single excuse get in the way of being the best version of myself. It was like I just couldn’t go on another day being chained to the things I had been chained to. So, I quit drinking alcohol and dove to the depths of my soul to figure things out. I completely surrendered. It was the hardest thing I ever did.
Read MoreI’ve been on a conquest to get to the root of my being. For the past few months, I took time throughout each day for inward reflection… Constantly asking myself if what I am currently doing is what will lead me to the highest version of myself. I examined forward and backward each small habit, every conversation I would partake in, and each movement I would choose to make. We are a sum of all the little choices we make throughout the day. Our character is a combination of actions we choose. After years of feeling obligated to do certain things, have certain jobs, and run what you would consider the rat race I decided I couldn’t do it anymore. My soul just needed more.
Read MoreI believe the world is a giant playground filled with magical corners. I believe heaven lies in running through a sunflower field at sunset, floating on the river with people you love, and being able to take long sunset drives with someone special.
Read MoreIt’s no secret around here that I’m an earth lover. As much as I am kinda girly I have this adventurous side that loves to get outdoors no matter what. I feel the happiest laying in the sunshine and feeling the soft breeze blow across my face. I was so excited to partner with Sarah Flint - a woman-owned company that specializes in Italian shoes because of the company’s mission to provide products made in facilities with sustainable materials. The Sustainable Steps Collection from Sarah Flint breeds the best of luxury fashion with sustainability. You don’t have to sacrifice style for comfort anymore! Each pair is hand crafted in Italy by artisans using the most eco-friendly materials.
Read MoreWhen this blog was initially created, I set out to share the magic that happened in my life on a daily basis. I had no idea at the blog would become my life story a decade later. I seek every single day to find magical moments. Life is busy. There’s so much happening. Slowing down in the mornings and evenings has given me the ability to discover more magic. Sometimes it’s how the sky lights up at sunset on a walk with the cool breeze blowing across the grass. Sometimes it’s the light wind rustling in trees and the way they look like pieces of lace overlapping one another against a blue background. Sometimes it’s the giggles of my daughter or the jokes we make on our drives together. Seeking magic every day is what makes life sweeter. Here are a few ways to make each day special…
Read MoreIt’s that time of year! Finally, Texas bluebonnet season. If you’ve never been to Texas during this time of year then it’s time for you to plan your next trip! In late March and early Spring, the entire state becomes alive with wildflowers. Specifically, the Texas Bluebonnet which is our state flower. For years, my family flocked to find the best fields for photographs. It’s perfect for bridal pictures, senior college or high school pictures, family portraits, and of course, blog photos! I decided to round up a list of some of the top locations to find these bluebonnet fields!
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