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!

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.

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

"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

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

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.

Colorful Days Are Happy Days

It doesn't seem to matter what is happening, when you put on a bright colorful dress and get some fresh flowers, you can't help but smile. This past week has been interesting to say the least. Some things changing, but most of the time, change is a good thing. I look forward to new things, new friends, and a new direction. But first priority, get a cup of iced coffee :)

 

Outfit: Mint green dress - Kate Spade, Flower pumps - Kate Spade.

Monday....

"Life is tough, my darling, but so are you." This quote brings me back to a conversation I had with my grandfather before he passed. He said, " Brooke... you are made of different stuff". Life is not always easy and sometimes it doesn't make sense. But at the end of the day you have to be tough and keep going. You are here for a purpose, don't let any negativity stop you today.

 

Outfit: Shirt dress - Kate Spade, Nude flats - Nine West.

Happy Friday!

I have come to find that you can not make people appreciate you or treat you well. All you can control is yourself and your own happiness. So today I decided to treat myself to a bouquet of roses and my favorite iced coffee. Spoil yourself today, give yourself a reason to smile.

 

Outfit: Blouse - Kate Spade, Skinny jeans - Kate Spade, Nude pumps - Nine West

Go Local

Spent the day at the local Farmer's Market. Such a cool place to find unique pieces and gifts. If you have a local farmer's market, you should check it out!

Outfit: Blouse - Kate Spade, Jeans - Madewell, Pumps - Antonio Melani.

Dream On

"Don't get enamored with charm and charisma. Follow character. It's responsibility that pays the bills, not dreams." Pay attention to this, don't be used as a meal ticket.

Spring Fling

In life every situation, experience or circumstance, you learn something about yourself. Whether it hurt or it felt great there is a lesson in everything. Sometimes you grow, sometimes you move on, and sometimes you figure out who the important people in your life really are. And today I can say that you are one of my favorite lessons.

 

Outfit: Dress - Kate Spade, Shoes - Antonio Melani

Loyalty

"Some people aren't loyal to you.. they are loyal to their need of you. Once their needs change, so does their loyalty." Pay attention and notice the people in your life. Do they just use you? Would they be your friend when you have nothing to give, are going through a hard time, or when you may need something? Be aware of the users, they aren't really your friend and they do not deserve your time.

 

Outfit: Sweater - Kate Spade, Jeans - Loft, Pumps - Antonio Melani.

Onward and Upward

"Moving forward is as much about learning what to let go of, as it is about what to embrace." Keep moving forward and grab a cup of coffee on the way!

 

Outfit: Blouse and jeans - Kate Spade, Bright pink pumps - BCBG

Happiness

"Don't let your happiness depend on something you may lose." - C.S. Lewis

I've heard, seen, and experienced this myself lately. It is easy to think that if I have this amount of money, or this relationship, or this job, that then I will be happy. I have come to see that happiness only comes from a place of gratitude for what you do have and a true contentment with yourself. Instead of looking to others or things to make you happy, look to yourself. Choose to be happy and smile today :) It will make the world brighter.

Creamsicle Dreamsicle

The snow is melting and the sun is shining! It has been an uplifting few days, got to love the sunshine. With all the sunshine lately I am reminded of a new favorite quote: " The sun will rise and set regardless. What we choose to do with the light while it's here is up to us. Journey wisely."

 

Loving this new cream dress from Loft. I decided to pair it with these fuchsia Kate Spade pumps for a dash of color. I also had a fuchsia scarf to go but it is not pictured.