2020 Vision: Mood Board

At the beginning of the year I created a mood board to make my desktop background and inspire me for the year to come. I included things that related to different goals and plans of mine; savings, relationships, photography, fashion, home, and travel.

I was going to write and explain everything but I don’t think that everyone needs to know every single thing and meaning. Instead, why not make your own? It was very therapeutic and easy. I did it in photoshop but it is definitely doable on canva.com. That site is free, easy, and can provide you with free photos to use as well. I found my photos on Pinterest and via Nordic Retreats (a goal). The graphics I created myself.

If you decide to make one, tag me in it so I can see or send it via email.

Navigating the Waves of Life

Growing up, my aunt always taught us that when a rough wave came in the ocean, you go deep.  You go under the chaos to avoid the impact zone.  I never realized how that applied to life until I read a quote about it online (If you recognize the theory, please tell me. This isn’t the exact quote because it was forever ago and I don’t remember nor can I find it).

If you tried to run back to shore, it would eventually catch you and knock you down. If you tried to stand up against it, it would slam you under it’s strength.  If you go under it, go deep, you get through it.

Take a deep breath, put your head down, and go deep.

That's a Wrap - February 2019

While January seemed to drag on forever, February flew past in the blink of an eye. I tend to love the month of February since that is when it all began for T and I. Our relationship started back in February 2013 and I am so thankful for that.

This February we decided to head to Colorado with some of our absolute best friends. My bridesmaid Nicole and her boyfriend, Joe, and my sister met us out there with a few other friends and we had the best time. We explored Denver (or should I say ate our way through Denver?) and skied some of the most beautiful trails in the US in Breckenridge. We got to see the Rockies and the Red Rocks Amphitheater and even though there was no show, it was beautiful there.

We laid low for the rest of the month so I figured I would only focus on Colorado for my February collage. What do we think? I am dying to go skiing again this winter so I hope this inspires one of you to come with!

Rhode Island Ranch: Home Inspiration

Teddy and I are finally situated in our new home and we have big plans for the future (our wallets don’t). We are working slowly to tackle different projects and ideas we have for our little Rhode Island ranch. I have gathered inspiration for us and whether it just be a painting, a paint color, or a plant, these photos have all sparked some sort of idea.

For my full inspiration board, you can head over to my Pinterest. While the 'New Home’ board is pretty explanatory, a lot of inspiration is pulled from the board simply titled ‘Inspiration.’ Groundbreaking, I know.

That's a Wrap - January 2019

There is one way to describe January right now; the days are short and the month is never ending. It feels like the longest month of my life. The weather started fairly nice. We didn’t have much snow but then the temperatures dropped to zero and our pipes froze. Somehow they didn’t burst and god bless because I don’t know what I would have done. It is hitting below freezing temps all of the U.S. right now and I do not know how people are functioning. I am just hoping that everyone is safe.

I thought I would create a little collage to try and manifest warmth. (Haha I know, I know. I’m crazy.) I’ve seen these types of collages all over the internet and wanted to give it a go. I love learning photoshop and graphic design things so as long as it interests me, I think I am going to try and do a monthly wrap up collage each month. Here is my first one. Be nice. I am no photoshop expert.

Think warm thoughts.

Outfit Inspiration

While I love following bloggers on Instagram, their styles tend to be different than my own. That silk slip dress looks bomb on you girl and that crop sweater is fire but neither are my style nor could I pull them off with my body type (I know and accept that by the way). So where do I turn for my inspiration? Pinterest is vibing the same way as Instagram and it is harder to find things I like or would look good in. I head to Tuckernuck.

Tuckernuck is a retail brand that I totally adore. They have a some of their own designs and pieces that are exclusive to the site or store and they also carry big name brands like VINCE, Emerson Fry, and Barbour. They have curated the best of the best to make it easy for us to shop our favorite timeless pieces. In their words, Tuckernuck is “a boutqiue curated for the classic, American lifestyle and inspired by good, old-fashioned fun.” If that doesn’t make you want to shop there, I don’t know what will.

Tuckernuck publishes a Lifestyle Guide seasonally (I believe?) and it is filled with inspiration. While it would be nice to have all of the clothes featured, I can easily draw inspiration and use it as a guide for the clothes I already have in my closet. The styling is amazing and the guide itself is pretty to look at also since the photography is top notch. Basically, it tells a story. They are able to capture outings and adventures that you could realistically take on the Eastern Seaboard. Tuckernuck does not make you feel like they are out of reach or above you. You are reading through an attainable fashion guide and I love that. I’ll give you an idea of what their photos look like below. These images are all from the FW 2018 lifestyle guide.

I think we sometimes forget that there are still look books and magazines out there to find inspiration in. We are so used to scrolling through Instagram or Pinterest (which obviously I still do) that we forget there are so many other ways to find inspiration. I often feel that people forget real blogs and websites exist since they are so often just turning to Instagram. I challenge all of you to find a new blog or website as a source of inspiration this week. I would love for you to come back and comment your favorite blog or shoot me an email and tell me. I can totally come back here and write another post with other sources of inspiration for all of you. Don’t forget to go outside and look around at your surroundings as well. That will always be my favorite source of inspiration.

Here is a little fun fact for all of you also… today marks Dakota’s 5th birthday. I cannot believe this little lady has been on Earth for five years. She may still act like she is a puppy but that post will be coming soon.

You are a Badass Calendar Review

Not too long ago, I started posting inspirational quotes from my daily calendar on my Instagram stories.  I didn't think as many of you would take notice but darn was I wrong.  You all are constantly messaging me about the quotes, saying thank you, or asking where I got the calendar from. 

I purchased this calendar on a whim when I start my new job.  It had been sitting on my dresser in the box just waiting to be opened in 2018.  I decided to bring it into work at the end of December anticipating the new year.  I was looking to start the new year on a great note and knew that this would help with some daily affirmations.  I read the book, You are a Badass, about a year ago and it changed my outlook on life.  I think more positively and I do not let other's actions hurt my feelings as much as they used to.  I walk to the beat of my own drum (cliche, I know) and try not to worry about others.  I still have my moments, but the book really helped with my confidence and outlook on the world around me.

image via Journey Strength

I was a little bummed when I realized the calendar is just quotes and excerpts from the book but the reminder every morning is still inspiring.  I suggest reading the book in its whole but having the desk calendar to look at each day is a fun reminder.  The fact that they are the same doesn't discourage me from recommending them.  I still would say they are both awesome to read, especially considering the inexpensive price tag.  

If you read the book or have the calendar, I would love your opinion on it.  Do you love it/dislike it?  Let me know!