It doesn’t have to run your life. You have options! Look towards the light. Remember that anxiety is a dive into lower vibrations.

We have to have lower feelings to understand how positive we can feel.

Summer winds to an end shortly as the kiddos head back to school and I know so many of you have end-of-summer vacation plans. I figured it was time to pull out a few of the pieces I’ve been saving for a vacation and share them with you guys! First up is this slimming black cut-out dress. I love how it flatters the curviest bodies. I recommend wearing a grid bra if you are fuller chested since the dress offers little support. It’s such a steal at under $25. Below I rounded up a ton of other cute summer options if you have a vacation. Don’t forget to add embellished earrings, a cute pair of sandals, and a statement bag like this one!

It’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.

Summer is in full swing around here with sunset walks, day trips to swimming holes, and a relaxed approach to bedtime. Being a Leo, summer is my jam. I love the long days and the warm air hitting my face in the evenings as the sun drops below the horizon. I love all the sandals, bare feet, sundresses, and straw bags that come along with them. When I saw this dress on the hanger at the store, I knew I found a classic affordable piece I could wear all summer long. Whether it be a vacation, backyard BBQ, or just lounging around the house - this baby fits all the occasions. Coming in at just under $30, I bet your last bag of groceries cost more. Here are a few tips on how to style it!

When 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…

Time is precious. It’s the one form of currency we cannot get back. Over the past few years, I’ve grown to be more and more intentional with how I spend my time. Taking out and saying no to activities that are energy draining. Spending time doing the things that bring me joy. Intentionally carving out special moments with people I love and care about. As I’ve done this day after day I realize most days I am living a dream I had years ago. Back in 2017, I went through a period of life that was incredibly trying. During that time I remember having a vision where I spent my time as much as possible in nature and traveling to see things I love. It was a peaceful vision. I’m happy to report that five years later much of my free time is spent doing just that. If you want your life to change, start taking small daily steps towards that life. Here are ways to build your dream life every day.

Over the past six months, I’ve been taking collagen daily. Although I’ve personally seen results throughout the past few months it wasn’t until last week that I realized just how big of an impact it’s had on my overall physical health. From my hairdresser commenting on how thick the back of my hair has gotten to diminishing cellulite - I’m here as proof that this magic stuff really works. A few months ago I wrote a blog post on the benefits of collagen. You can check it out here for an introduction to what it is and a few benefits. Today I’d like to focus on how it’s specifically impacted me and my own results. Here are three ways my body has transformed since I started taking collagen.

If there’s one city you know you will be worn out when you leave it, it’s Las Vegas, Nevada. Oh my goodness! I haven’t been there in a couple of years and let me tell you… this thirty-eight-year-old came back wiped out. The funny part is I just got back from round two and haven’t posted about either trip.

Over the past two months, I attended a couple of conferences. I was lucky enough to get a little time while I was out there to grab dinner and sightseeing. I had amazing lunch at Mon Ami Gabi and dinner at the Cafe Americano in the Paris. I stayed at the MGM Signature Grand which had suites for rooms and a giant jacuzzi tub in which I added the most amazing bath tea bag and fuzzies to it from the adorable shop downstairs.

I have to tell you this time of year is always so exciting but equally tough with a constant rotation of events! Showers are no exception. Whether you are attending a baby or bridal shower there’s no lack of things to do that require a lovely dress. A new to me brand that I’ve been loving these past few months is Shoshanna. Each piece is made with the most beautiful fabric and fits like a glove! I love this adorable daisy printed dress worn in today’s post. I paired it with my sky-high Jay 100 Pump Sarah Flint heels and a statement necklace to bring out the turquoise in the dress. You can save $50 when you use my link. One of the good things about having a few dresses on hand is being able to grab and go quickly without a lot of thinking. Swap out shoes and accessories depending on the season and occasion. I could easily wear this same dress with a pair of sandals and a straw bag instead. You can shop a bunch of my favorites Spring items below.

If you missed my first post in this How to Blog series I talked about five ways you can make money on your blog. You can read that post here, and today I’m continuing the series to share more tips and tricks with you. A key element for any blog is photography. Whether you are snapping pictures of food for recipes creating or you work in the tech world and are delivering copy on wide area networks you still need pictures for your posts! There are a few reasons - first, it helps optimize your page when you add alt text behind graphics. That allows search engines like Google and Pinterest to find your blog. Spiders will crawl your page to look for strings of keywords that are relevant searches, but images help boost your visibility!

It’s finally Spring and I’m so happy about it! We’ve had such pretty weather over this past weekend it really got me excited about the next few weeks. On top of the sunshine, early Spring wildflowers are beginning to bloom. I decided it was time to put together a Spring capsule wardrobe. I’ve recently picked up a few basics and neutrals from Amazon that I wanted to share with you! Each piece fits like a glove and is made with incredible quality. Check out all my favorite finds below!

You have no idea how happy I am that it’s Spring! The next six months are my favorite part of the year. I live for swimsuit weather, and we are so lucky to get warm weather early here in Texas! Since we are officially in the spring season I am busting out all things white in my closet. I recently picked up these incredible pants from Target (I’m wearing a kids 14-16 an XL which is an XS in adults). If you normally wear a medium and have shorter legs you could easily wear the next size up! They are the best pants. They have a built-in lining and they are the most breathable cotton. I paired them with a favorite top I grabbed recently from Hill House home on major sale and my new white Senreve bag. I bought this back as a celebration of being alcohol-free for 3 years! You have to celebrate life victories! To add a few finishing touches I grabbed a pair of the most comfortable platform sandals and a cardigan for chilly air conditioning or evenings.

I spent the weekend resting, relaxing, and playing. The past month of my life was a whirlwind. My role at my job changed, a trip mid-month for a work conference in Vegas took place, and then when I returned it was a non-stop follow up from the trip. I worked twelve days straight without taking even an evening to myself. It was absolutely necessary, but at the beginning of last week, I started to feel really heavy. I dreaded Monday morning and felt like I had zero time to decompress. That was it for me. I knew it was time to take a break. It was suggested I take a full day off and just do what makes me happy, so I did just that. It can be a HUGE challenge to work full-time and run a blog and a business on social media. Although I’ve been doing all three for years, this month was particularly tough. I struggled to bounce back with energy. One thing I have learned about life is that I am the only one responsible for my life. If I want to live a life with clarity and calm I have to create that environment. I also know that I am prone to maxing myself out. Here are a few things I’ve learned about the necessity of rest and play.

I am so glad it’s finally Spring! The past few months have been incredible, but nothing is better than fresh blooming flowers and a beautiful breezy cool night. I love this time of year so much! During the daytime in Texas the temperatures rise enough most days so you can get away with a dress and sandals. Come nightfall, you’ll need a lightweight jacket or white blazer to stay warm. I have been eyeing this one from The Drop that’s under $80! I already own it in tan and think the white will be perfect for this time of year! You can wear it over dresses or layer over a button-up with jeans or shorts. It’s one of the most versatile options!

It’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!

Since we all finally made it to Spring, I am pulling out all the best florals! I love the landscape this time of year in Texas with all of the wildflowers and infamous Bluebonnets are in bloom. I usually transfer that inspiration over into my wardrobe. From statement earrings in the shape of flowers to embellished handbags, you can add a touch of florals without being overkill. The dress I featured below is Hunter Bell NYC. It’s made of the thinnest (without being see-through) material that is perfect for layering this time of year. I actually wore this to a women’s luncheon and received a ton of compliments on it. I grabbed this old clutch I love and my favorite classic Sarah Flint pumps (save $50 here)! The look was effortless and glam at the same time! I put together a list below of some of my favorite floral pieces you can shop for! The price points start at under $50 and also include luxury options!

If you are looking for your next Texas vacation then you need to check out Port Aransas! Nestled on the Texas Gulf Coast between Galveston and N Padre Island is the charming island and beach town called Port Aransas. Filled with pastel shops, stores, and restaurants this makes the perfect family vacation! I spent a couple of days here and put together a weekend guide for you guys! From Instagram spots to a restaurant that has presidential history, here is a guide to spending the weekend in Port Aransas and the neighboring city Corpus Christi.

I shared a little last week in this post about my trip to South Padre Island. This is the perfect Spring Break location if you are looking for a tropical paradise in Texas. The water is incredible, the beaches are soft with rolling sand dunes and the island is filled with turtles, birds, dolphins, and other wildlife. It’s a welcomed oasis in South Texas. While I was on the island I drove over the bridge to Port Isabel where one of the most beautiful lighthouses on the gulf coast resides. The lighthouse sits in the middle of Port Isabel’s town square with a multitude of shops and restaurants. The lighthouse is open to tour so make sure you check their website for hours and cost for admission. Since I knew I’d be walking a lot that day I pulled out my favorite pair of flats!

Did you know that the most popular post I’ve done in 10 years was how to wear converse sneakers if you’re petite! Month after month that single post gets more views than any other piece of content. I figured it was long overdue to share a follow-up to that post with how to wear converse sneakers with a dress. Because… spring is coming! Today I’m going to give tips for anybody's height or shape! These are pretty universal and perfect for getting organized for Spring Break this year. Here are a few ways tips for how to wear converse sneakers with a dress.

I cannot believe Spring Break will be here in just a few weeks! One of the top destinations in Texas this time of year is the same location featured in today’s post: South Padre Island! The whole area will be covered in young adults, parties, and tourists. I opted for quieter adventures and drove down last month for MLK weekend. Although it was a little chilly at times, it was the perfect getaway for a long weekend. I brought a bunch of dresses to shoot while I was there, but made it over to the sand dunes on the northside of the island. I wore the cutest swimsuit from Target! It comes in several colors and I’ve been loving this lilac shade. I paired it with a sweatshirt bought one of the local souvenir shops and a pair of sweater shorts. I went ahead and rounded up five swimsuits under $50 from Target for you to shop!