Lot of Love and Sugar

Looking for a perfect cookie for Valentines Day??

These cherry kiss cookies are a must! With a  slight hint of cherry and almond, these cookies have become my new favorite! I found the recipe on the Taste of Home instagram page :) Super easy and delicious! Happy early Valentines!

- Brooklyn

New Year Thoughts

 

As this year is coming to a close, and boy was this a difficult year for me, I have high hopes for 2019. This last year taught me that when you do not love yourself adequately, you will put up with being mistreated and unappreciated. Somehow believing or telling yourself that this is the best you could or will get. Well let me say this, that is a complete lie. There are billions of people in the world and many would love to love you correctly!  Don't hesitate to love yourself and let go of anyone or anything that takes love from you.

This holiday look is from Ann Taylor Factory store and is all on sale!

The purse is from the Kate Spade outlet store and is on sale too!

 

Side note in case anyone needs some love advice ;)

Date someone for at least a year. Some people are really good at pretending to be exactly what you want and need, but with time the true person will always come out and stay.

May this new year bring lots of LOVE and FULFILLMENT!

Live Colorfully

It is key to know what colors look best with your skin tone. For my darker complexion and dark hair I have found that bright colors look best. For me when I feel like I look my best, I am more confident and happy. Coffee always lifts my mood as well :)

Top: Loft, Jeans: Madewell, Shoes: not pictured but Karl Lagerfeld flats

Actions Over Words Every Time

Something that I have been trying to get better at lately is watching actions over words. I have had a lot of people tell me they love me and will never hurt me but their actions tell a different story. I know words are nice to hear and feel good in the moment but make sure the actions are lining up with the words, otherwise you are in for heartache. Something I have had to learn the hard way. Words without actions are like a heart with no beat. Useless. The beauty of going through these things is it makes me more aware of my words. Gives me an awareness to only say things that I mean because I know the pain it causes when you say things that you don't actually intend to follow through on.

In other news, this little white dress from Talbots is perfect for the summer and so comfortable. Nothing better than feeling confident in an outfit.

Beauty from Ashes

"I want to watch all my bridges burn. Stand in the rain until the pages turn. Dance in the light of a lesson learned. I want to leave everything that hurts, never go back to the way we were. Set it on fire, watch it burn."

Dress: Gianni Bini from Dillards; Shoes from Kate Spade

Bows Are A Girls Best Friend

I love this new dress from Kate Spade. She added a black bow to the front to make it feminine and unique. And I always love a feminine touch! Paired the dress with my new pair of black Ferragamo pumps. I love this look because it is classic and dressy, it wont go out of style. Perfect for a brunch or a dinner at the country club.

Hope

These past few weeks have been challenging for me. But I do know everything happens for a reason. Someone once said it is all about your perspective, changing the phrase "everything happens to me" to "everything happens for me" . When you change one simple word, the whole mindset shifts. I have found that to be very helpful these past few weeks. Have hope today. If you woke up today you were given another chance to spread happiness, love, and hope to the world. That is what I cling to. Hope.

 

Outfit: Dress - Loft, Heels - Vince Camuto.  

Out To Sea

While in Boston I went on a whale watch. Had a pretty close to perfect day on the water. I saw around six whales, such beautiful creatures. It is a must if you have never been.

 

Outfit: Shorts - Vineyard Vines, Tee shirt - Polo Ralph Lauren, and my favorite pair of Raybans

Trip to Canada

Montreal. So much history in this city. And as history has shown us, when all the dust settles we can rise up and make something beautiful of all the broken pieces.

 

Outfit: Strappy heels - Kate Spade, Dress - J. McLaughlin

Travel Thoughts

Took a trip to Montreal, Quebec this month.. It is a beautiful city. I loved walking around and experiencing something completely different and meeting new people. I realize this life is short and as I sat in a park sipping some coffee this quote just kept replaying in my mind. "This is your life, this is your story. And when all is done and said may you live with no regret." Travel. Explore. Love. I hope my life outlives me.

 

Outfit: Dress - Kate Spade, Black heels - Antonio Melani

Dance Upon Disappointment

" Awake my soul to sing with Your breath in me, I will worship. You taught my feet to dance upon disappointment and I will worship. "

One thing I have found is that you will be disappointed or let down in this life, But with Him I have found the strength to dance in the midst of it all.

 

Outfit: Gingham top - Kate Spade, White Jeans - Loft, Strappy heels - Antonio Melani.

Just To Clarify

"Leadership is influence, not title." Who are you influencing? Are you living what you preach? Make sure and live a life to be proud of. You may have no idea who you are influencing so make sure and give a great example of a life well lived. Every decision matters.

 

Also, took this picture at the Biltmore is Asheville, such a beautiful place!

 

Outfit: Skirt - J.Crew, Top - Loft, Nude Flats - Nine West, Handbag - Kate Spade

Natural

Was recently a part of a photo-shoot where we were not allowed to wear any makeup. I was really nervous to be a part because I never leave my house without even mascara on, but it turned out to be really fun. Doing things like this make me realize makeup doesn't make you beautiful. Confidence, class, bravery, kindness.... that's what makes you beautiful.

 

Outfit: Dress - Tommy Hilfiger

Unique

" Being different is a revolving door in your life where secure people enter and insecure exit." - Shannon Alder

We need to understand that when people leave you or make you feel like you aren't enough, that it is actually a reflection of who they are and their own insecurities.

 

Feeling unique in this ensemble: Dress - Eliza J., Black pumps - Antonio Melani, Hat - Vintage piece I found in an antique shop :)

"Love"

Sometimes I feel God allows us to have negative or bad relationships just to show us how different His love is. His love is unconditional, it is never insecure, it never questions whether you are worth it. To Him you are always worth it. I know for me I need to start being more careful who I let have some of my heart. Will they take care of it like God, or will they just use it and throw it away when they do not want it anymore? Guard your heart.

 

Outfit: Button down - Loft, Skirt - J.Crew, Nude Pumps - Kate Spade

The Voice

" Make sure the voices that you are listening to are constructive and not destructive. What informs us forms us." This is something I have really been battling lately. I tend to focus on the one negative thing done or said and ignore ten nice things. It is so important to have a positive view of yourself. If you do not love yourself, how can you show love to others? I have got to start blocking out the negative and believing the positive. Choose happy!

 

Outfit: Shorts - Draper James, Basic navy tee - Loft

A Time To Reflect

~ I used to recognize myself, it's funny how reflections change. And we are becoming something else, I think it's time to walk away. ~

 

Outfit: One piece - Landsend, Cover up - H&M

 

 

Don't Over Think It

" Sometimes the questions are complicated, and the answers are simple. " - Dr. Seuss

 

Outfit: Jeans - Kate Spade, Nude flats - Nine West, Top - Boutique in Nantucket

Passing Through

I know that I am not home yet, this is not where I belong.

 

 

Outfit: Skirt - J. Crew, Top - Loft

Decisions

" Sometimes all you have to do is forget what you feel and remember what you deserve. " A good question to ask yourself is, if I feel for the rest of my life the way I feel right now.. will I live a happy life? For me, the answer was no. Sometimes you have to do what makes you happy, even when it isn't an easy decision to make. Never settle for less than what you deserve, know your worth, and sometimes that means you have to let people go.