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

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

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.  

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

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

Passing Through

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

 

 

Outfit: Skirt - J. Crew, Top - Loft

Porch Thoughts

Life can be interesting. People tend to come and go, some quicker than others. Sometimes people come into your life and try to make you feel like less of a person or to steal your light. Don't let them. We can not control what people expect from us or what people say or do to us. What we can control is how we react. Don't let people take your light and shimmer. You are a beautiful unique human being and only deserve to be treated that way! Have some coffee, enjoy the sunshine, and wear something that makes you feel confident. Happy Friday!

 

Is It Spring Yet

I am greatly enjoying the warmer temperatures lately. Got to wear my new shorts from Nordstrom. Since the breeze was still cool, I paired them with a basic navy tee tucked in to accentuate the waistline and to show the bow!

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.

Valentines

Valentines Day is coming up, and whether you have a romantic valentine or not, this is the holiday to show love to people in your life. If you don't have a romantic valentine, choose to shower your friends, family, or co-workers with some love. Or you could just eat a lot of chocolate and show yourself some love!

 

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.

Sunshine!

After all the snow and clouds for the past week, the sun came out today and I couldn't be happier! If only I had a job where I could sit outside in the sun and sip on some coffee :)

 

Outfit: Jeans- Madewell, Blouse- Loft, Shoes- Nine West.

Walking In A Winter Wonderland

"When snow falls, nature listens." We had one of the prettiest snows that I have ever seen this weekend. One of my favorite things about snow is that it brings you together and forces you to slow down. I did more walking and thinking outside than I have done in a long time. And it felt as though for a brief moment, time stood still. I was able to think through some things and have long talks with my sister which I could never get tired of. Truly a fulfilling weekend. The only negative is that I do not have an outfit to go with these bright rain boots ;)

 

Snow Outfit: Ear muffs: UGG, Leggings and sweater: Loft, Pea Coat: Lands End.

Dreaming Of A White January

Enjoying the first snow of the year! Everything outside looks prettier covered in snow. My snow outfit: Kate Spade polka dot sweatshirt with a bow, black leggings, black Naturalizer rain boots. It's warm, comfortable, and feminine.

Be An Example

"Excellence wherever you find it gets noticed. How we live matters." No matter where you are or who you are, someone looks to you. Be an example of love, kindness, strength, and a dash or two of class to the younger generations. Be someone that someone dreams of being.  A good place to find inspiration is in a book. You just can't beat the atmosphere of Barnes and Noble.

5'1"

Sometimes I find myself in situations that make me feel small, which gives me an opportunity to where even higher heels ;) I am what some would call a little short, I always have been. But like my grandmother always said, " the best gifts come in small packages". Own who you are and be thankful for everything that makes you different.

 

Love pairing these ankle boots with leggings. It dresses it up a bit.

Take A Walk

"There was never a light at the end of the tunnel. There was only a long tunnel made longer by our presence."  Some situations do not have a light at the end. Sometimes we just need to leave and walk another path. Don't put off the inevitable hoping to find a light where there never will be. I find long walks outside are quite the breath of fresh air, physically, emotionally and mentally. Take a walk and think, does this situation benefit or hinder me? If it hinders, you may want to leave the tunnel.

 

My walking outfit: loose winter sweater: Loft. Dark jeans: Kate Spade. Hair: In a bun :)