A Frozen Halloween.

My favorite holiday is now officially here...Happy Halloween everyone!  I've been dying to share these photos of our costumes, which were taken by the insanely talented Alex Wright Photography.  In case you didn't know, my whole family is obsessed with this holiday and each year we dress up as a group (you can see some of our past costumes here).  Last year Alex took the photos of our Batman themed costumes and I was so impressed with the way she perfectly captured everything, I knew I needed her to work her magic again this year!  

For this Halloween we decided to dress up as characters from the Disney movie "Frozen".  If you have kids, you probably have the entire soundtrack engrained in your head.  If not, I'm guessing you still know what it is (unless you live under a rock).  My daughter is dressed as Queen Elsa, I'm dressed as Princess Anna, Emery is Kristoff, and my son is Olaf.  I handmade the Kristoff and Anna costumes, but I ended up just purchasing the Elsa and Olaf costumes. 

Since the story is based around snow, we decided to take a mini road-trip and head out to the Bonneville Salt Flats.  It was the perfect place for a "Frozen" photoshoot and the kids had so much fun running around (and getting dirty) in all the salt! I'm so incredibly happy with the way these pictures turned out...yet again Alex exceeded my expectations!  I can't stress enough how much I recommend booking a session with this photographer.  Alex is super affordable and knows what she's doing.  Make sure to check out her website and you can also find her on Facebook!

Sorry for the picture overload...I just can't help it.

Have a Happy Halloween! Stay safe and don't eat too much candy!

Autumn Colors

J.Jill Sweater c/o, Paige Denim Jeans, Modbod Tee c/o, GiGi New York Crossbody c/o, Franco Sarto Boots

Here in Utah, the leaves have been getting more colorful each day.  I absolutely love looking around my neighborhood and seeing the trees covered in gorgeous hues of orange, yellow and red.  Fall colors just make me happy!  

Isn't this beautiful patterned sweater just the perfect complement to the changing Autumn background?  I don't have a lot of colorful cardigans, but I've discovered that they really add some fun detail to an otherwise plain outfit.  I definitely need some more patterns in my life!  J.Jill has so many cute sweaters this season and they are such great quality...I've started to become more interested in getting pieces that will last, instead of just buying cheap items that fall apart after a few wears.  However, the most important thing when it comes to sweaters is the cozy factor.  J.Jill definitely passed that test, because I just want to snuggle up in my cardigan all night long!

I hope everyone is having a great week and getting excited for Halloween! Also, I want to thank you all for the overwhelming response to my previous post.  I received so many sweet comments, e-mails and texts...it made me super happy to feel so much support and love!  I think our generation is slowly starting to change our views on beauty standards/body image and your comments are certainly proof of that!  Thank you friends!

Can't We Just Be Real?

Lulu's Skirt c/o, Black Turtleneck (similar), Rockport Boots c/o, Michael Kors Watch, Kate Spade Bag

A while back I lost some weight by eating healthier and working out, which was really exciting.  But I recently fell off the wagon and gained it all back.  It was incredibly disheartening.  Here's my main problem: I LOVE food.  And unfortunately it's not usually of the healthy variety (more like pastries and pizza).  Combine that with my extreme dislike for exercise and slowly the number on the scale starts to climb.

Anyway, when I first looked at these pictures I really noticed it.  I almost didn't even want to post them.  I don't think I'm obese by any means and I'm not looking for a pity party, but it's just a fact that my clothes are fitting tighter than they used to. I've never had the best self-esteem, so I thought maybe I should try to Photoshop the muffin top and fat rolls off of my body, but then I realized two things:

1) Ain't nobody got time for that.
2) I don't want to pretend to be someone I'm not.

Editing away a few inches isn't going to make me look better in real life.  It's not going to make people like me more and it's not going to make me feel better about myself.  Of course I need to strive to live a healthier lifestyle, but I'm pretty sure it's not healthy to always be worrying about meeting society's often unrealistic beauty ideals.  I've read several articles lately explaining why women should appreciate their bodies after having children and that is definitely something I need to work on.  I've had two kids and they are worth SO much more than a sculpted physique.  It's just hard when we are constantly bombarded with images of skinny women, airbrushed to perfection.  Whether watching television, reading a magazine, scrolling through Instagram, or reading fashion blogs...I bet at some point you've found yourself thinking "wow, I sure wish I looked like that".  Why can't we just be happy with who we are?  Why do we always find it necessary to compare ourselves to others?

There have been times when I've edited pictures a little too much...and to be honest, it made me feel like a phony.  I pride myself on being a down-to-earth, authentic person.   I'm REAL and if I edit away my flaws I'm only contributing to the problem.  It's ok to have some wrinkles.  It's ok to have a little pudge.  It's ok to have a few blemishes.  What's NOT acceptable is refusing to accept and appreciate yourself.

I've decided that my new goal is self empowerment.  I want to embrace and treasure everything that makes me a unique individual, even if that means I can't look like a supermodel.  I want to live my life to the fullest, make good choices and be true to myself...and only I have the power to do so!  As part of their #PoweredByHeels campaign, Rockport shoes is hoping to fill social media with images of women sharing what empowers them each day.  Do you want to be entered into weekly drawings for free shoes and a chance to win an all-expense paid trip for a spa weekend in Miami?  Just share an image on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, illustrating your "Powered By" statement, while showcasing your favorite pair of heels and using the hashtags #poweredbyheels and #sweeps.  I have several pairs of Rockport shoes and they are all super cute and comfy (I'm obsessed with the new tall dress boots I'm wearing), so I definitely recommend entering...the campaign ends October 31st, so make sure to share your image before then!

Easy Flat Iron Waves Tutorial

Ever since chopping off my hair, I've had a hard time figuring out cute ways to style it.  I usually just straighten it and sometimes I curl it, but my new favorite thing is these quick and easy flat iron waves! The timing can be a little tricky...you have to move quick enough that you don't get dents, but still leave enough time for the wave to form.  It took me a couple tries to get the hang of it, but this is honestly a hairstyle that anyone can master!

I was recently sent this awesome GHD styler, so I decided to test it out on my wavy hairstyle.  It heats up super fast and the ceramic plates left my hair extra smooth and shiny!  The pastel collection is even on sale right now, so if you've been looking for a quality hair straightener, I definitely recommend it...I even like it better than my Chi, which is what I usually use!

I hope you enjoyed this little hair tutorial.  If you have any questions, just leave a comment and I'll try my best to get back to you!

Favorite Fall Trends with Lulu's: Bold Florals

Lulu's Floral Dress c/o, Kohls Scarf, LC Lauren Conrad Leggings, H&M Boots, Rebecca Minkoff MAB Tote

This week I've been sharing my favorite Fall trends and today I get to share the last one...bold floral prints!  I've always been a sucker for florals, but this season the key is to go big and bold with the print.  Save the small ditsy flower designs for the spring and instead go for patterns that make more of a statement.  I love this Lulu's dress, because it features a bold floral print, but it isn't so crazy that I'll stick out in a big crowd.  A little tip: try to stick with darker colored florals that give off a Fall vibe!

I hope you enjoyed my favorite Fall trends...if you haven't already, make sure to check out the other two here and here!  What styles are you excited to wear this Fall?

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Favorite Fall Trends With Lulu's: Plaid

Lulu's Plaid Skirt c/o, Modbod Tee c/o, Carvela Booties, Tory Burch Tote

It's time to share the second trend that I'm loving for this Fall...plaid!  This is a style that was popular last year and I'm so happy that it has returned, because it's one of my all-time favorites.  Plaid is one of those prints that looks good on pretty much any item: skirts, pants, scarves, shirts, shoes...you name it!  

So, what's your favorite way to wear plaid? Right now I'm on a mission to find the perfect plaid scarf...so if you know of a great one, please let me know!  

Make sure to come back and see the last of my favorite Fall trends with Lulus.com!

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Favorite Fall Trends with Lulu's: Over-sized Sweaters

Lulu's Oversized Sweater c/o, Warehouse Leather Pants (similar), Tory Burch Robinson Tote, Celine Sunglasses via SmartBuyGlasses c/o

I'm excited to be teaming up with Lulus.com to share a few of my favorite trends for this Fall.  Today I'm sharing an outfit which features an item I'm sure we will see a lot of soon...the over-sized sweater!  Once the temperature drops, there is nothing better than snuggling up in a big, cozy sweater.   I like my regular shirts to be fitted, but when it comes to sweaters...the baggier, the better!

What are your thoughts on the over-sized sweater trend?  Is it something you will be wearing once the weather cools down? 

Stay tuned for my other two favorite trends for this Fall!

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