Resolute.

When I first started blogging (and spent way too much time worrying about the unrealistic pressure to perfect every post) my husband said these words to me:

 

 I have a tendency to be overly thoughtful to the point of paralysis and B was encouraging me to stop overthinking and just write. To him, he was just trying to push his stubborn wife to put. pen. to. paper.

But to me, those words were a blaring reminder to stop worrying and just be authentic. Simple as that.  

Be authentic.

 (Warning: Jerry Maguire moment ahead.)

The world of blogging is changing. It’s becoming staged and scripted. Airbrushed and sculpted. Bought and paid for. Style blogging has always been a little bit of a fantasy. I mean, I’m not blogging about my fears and worries. I’m not even blogging about my everyday reality (if I did, there would be a lot more posts involving sweatpants). I am blogging about fashion. Sometimes unattainable fashion. It’s creative and fun and beautiful. And yes, sometimes a little bit staged. And like all social media, in blogging, we get to pick and choose what we share with the world, leading to this false image that we constantly have our shit together.

While I always try and remain authentic - in both my writing and my style - I like to believe that my readers are aware that this blog is only a tiny portion of my reality. My everyday stress and struggles, for the most part, remain off the screen and reserved for my real, non-digitized, life.

And although beautifully curated, I can't help but wonder if this constantly idealized imagery is leading to the loss of authenticity in the world of blogging? And where is the line between inspiration and insincerity?

Today, blogs are looking less like individual expressions of style and more like advertisements. Especially with affiliate marketing and paid sponsorships, all these blogs (even ones that I love) are starting to look remarkably similar. And I get it. It’s how you make money and how many are able to quit their jobs and live the dream as a full time blogger.

But where is the line?

If you are constantly getting paid to promote, how do you maintain your authenticity?

And without authenticity, what’s the point?

Seriously?

To me, without authenticity there is no point. And I am not saying you cannot make money on your blog and remain authentic. You definitely can. But it can be a slippery slope and one that for me personally, is not currently worth the time and moral energy it takes.

So what does that mean?

It means turning down affiliate marketing, ads, and paid posts. If I recommend a product it means I genuinely love it. If I team up with a shop for a giveaway or to style an item, it means I believe in that shop. If I link to an article of clothing I am wearing and you decide to buy it, it means I'm not making a commission off of that item.

It means weekly posts full of inspiration and free of insincerity. It means fashion fantasy merged with daily reality. It means full disclosure. 

For now, building my audience, finding my voice, and developing this little blog trumps the risk of selling myself out. And if that ever changes, you'll be the first to know.

But what does this all really mean?

It means I get to be authentic.

And, of course, that I get to use my voice. Not apologize. Be honest. And have fucking fun. 

Holiday Gift Guide: For the Guys

I don't know about you guys, but my holiday shopping is in full force. With only two and a half weeks left until Christmas, I'm trying to finish up my list, while also avoiding any trips to the mall.

Holiday season plus the mall equals my worst nightmare.

So for my gift guide for the gentlemen in your life, I've focused on items you can buy without stepping foot inside a mall (or even leaving your couch if you're a real homebody like myself).

Cheers for free shipping!

1. Tequila Shooters: For the entertainer.
2. MLB Washer Toss: For the sports fan.
3. Camp Blanket: For the outdoorsman.
4. Foodie Dice: For the chef.
5. Travel Book: For the traveler (bonus points if you throw in a plane ticket).
6. Power Charger: For the tech addict.
7. Grooming Kit: For the well groomed.
8. Espresso Maker: For the caffeine addict.

Holiday Gift Guide: The Hostess

Holiday season is upon us.

Which means it’s time for caroling, merriment, and - my favorite - holiday parties! And because it’s rude to show up empty handed, I’ve gathered a list of some of my favorite hostess gifts to get you from now until the new year.

'Tis the season!

1. Shinola Key Fob: This leather and brass key ring is great for someone who likes everything - even her keys - to look good. Plus it’s made in Detroit, so you know I’m a fan.
2. Bath Salts: This is the perfect gift for the hostess to enjoy after the party is over. More than likely she’s worked her butt off to perfect her event and deserves a little relaxation.
3. Coasters: Colorful coasters are fun and festive, plus they help keep her coffee table free of spills and wine rings.
4. Stationary: Holidays are all about making lists (and checking them twice). End up on the nice list by gifting a personalized stationary set or notepad.
5. Coffee Table Book: I love a good coffee table book. Dinner Parties is perfect for the woman who loves to host, well, dinner parties.
6. Succulent: Sub flowers for a succulent in a beautiful pot. They last longer than fresh flowers, plus the receiver doesn’t have to search to find a vase and worry about cutting the stems and arranging the bouquet.
7. Bottle Opener: Gone are the days of boring bottle openers. This geometric version will look like a piece of art displayed on a bar car.
8. Monogrammed Stemless Champagne Flutes: Add a bottle of bubbly and you have a great his and hers gift for a hosting couple.

Be Grateful

Life can be tough. 

It’s in those tough moments that you are forced to evaluate what’s important. And there is no greater reminder of what and - more importantly - who really matters than the loss of someone you love.

It’s not about the newest “it” bag or having the perfect outfit. It’s about compassion and kindness and laughter. It's about graciousness and gratefulness. It’s about love.

This week, through tears and sorrow, stress and hardships, I have seen more acts of love, cooperation, and big ole belly laughs (and when all else failed, a kitchen dance party) to honor a man that viewed the world with childlike wonder. He possessed a curiosity for everything and found amusement in anything.

To a man who was always up for a story and was in the everlasting search for the next million dollar idea, I’ll miss you dearly.

Don’t wait for a reason to appreciate the moments. Life is too damn short.

Currently Coveting: Tory Burch for Fitbit

via

Ever since my ladies trip to Europe - where my sister introduced me to the Fitbit - my girlfriends and I have been totally hooked with the pedometer. Obsessed actually. What started as a great way to justify that wine at lunch or the extra croissant (or two) at breakfast has become a full blown competition between us, resulting in me pacing around my living room at 11:59pm to get to the 10,000 step goal of the day (and ultimately beat my friends).

And just when I thought I couldn't get any more obsessed with my Fitbit, Tory Burch goes and launches a collaboration with the brand. And now, all I can think about it is what I can sell to justify the $195 price tag of that gold bangle.

I mean, if you're going to wear something every single day (and it's encouraging you to be active and healthy!), it might as well be stylish. Right? Right??

At the end of the day, for someone on a limited budget like myself, is it worth the price tag? Probably not.

But that doesn't mean I'm any less obsessed.

See the full collection (or surprise someone you love with this wonderfully perfect gift) here. 

Also, just a reminder that the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is officially open to the public (see my picks here). Also, Nordstrom Rack is now shoppable ONLINE. Boom.

Red, White, and Blueberry Smoothie

Now that summer is here in full force, I'm constantly looking for ways to stay cool. And with Fourth of July just a couple of days away, I'm celebrating the holiday with a refreshingly cool (and patriotic) smoothie.

And if you're looking to impress your friends at an Independence Day cookout this weekend, this concoction will totally do it. Healthy, delicious, and totally impressible.

Win, win, win.

Get the recipe (makes two large servings):

Blue:
1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1/4 plain greek yogurt
1 tablespoon honey (optional)

White:
1 banana (fresh or frozen)
1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
tablespoon coconut flakes
1/4 plain greek yogurt

Red:
1 cup strawberries (fresh or frozen)
1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1/2 pitted cherries (fresh or frozen)
1/4 cup plain greek yogurt

Blend each section separately, filling one third of your glass with each flavor. Depending on the amount of fresh or frozen fruit you use, you make want to add some additional ice to get the desired consistency and thickness (the more ice, the better the separation between colors). Top with extra berries or coconut flakes. Add a fun straw and enjoy!

Summer To Do List

With tomorrow marking the official first day of summer (congrats, we made it!), I’m throwing down my “to do” list for the season. Get ready for some good times ahead.

1. Sleep under the stars.
2. Have fancy outdoor dinner parties.
3. Go to concerts. Eat lots of ice cream.
4. Embrace messy hair and no makeup.
5. Pooltime.
6. Find a quiet beach and just BE.
7. Go sailing.
8. Enjoy the sunset.
9. Have lots of outdoor picnics.

What’s on your to do list for the summer?

Be Awesome

On Wednesday I had my 18 month cancer scan. As you can imagine, the anticipation, the actual scan, and the waiting for the results is a stressful situation. So I decided to give myself permission to take the day off from blogging and just BE. Instead I spent the day napping, watching terrible tv, and organizing my books. Sometimes you just need a day to organize your books.

Our regularly scheduled programming will be back on Monday. Enjoy your weekend!

{Not} Born To Run

I am not a runner. In fact, despite being incredibly active when I was younger, I am now incredibly lazy. Like too-lazy-to get-ice-cream-from-the-freezer, lazy. I blame working from home. Or maybe just getting older. But if I didn’t have a dog that needed to be walked three times a day, I’m not sure I’d leave the house at all.

So to my own surprise, in an act of extraordinary motivation, I signed up for a half marathon.

I have no idea what I was thinking.

That's not true. I was probably in my sweatpants, with a carton of ice cream in one hand and my laptop in the other, watching one too many motivational TED Talks. I was probably thinking, if that blind lady with no arms and no legs can overcome that incredible feat, I can most certainly run a measly 13 miles.

What can I say? I'm a sucker for 20 minute increments of inspiration.

What I'm not a sucker for? Running. (You can see my dilemma).

But I've committed. And with that commitment comes the responsibility to follow through. That commitment also brings cute running outfits. And let’s be real people. One of the biggest motivations for working out is the outfit. I mean, the added benefits of getting in killer shape and strengthening my heart, lungs, and muscles help too. But when I lack the impulse to get up and run, it’s the cute outfit that gives me that extra push out the door.

So for the next 14 weeks I'll be following this training plan to get my ass in shape and cross that finish line. And regardless of how long it takes, you can count on one thing: I'm going to look good doing it.

Now if someone can just make sure there's a pint of ice cream at that finish line...

Sports Bra / Fitbit / Nike shorts / Hairband / Tank Top / NIKE Running Shoes / Earbuds / Water Bottle

It's all about balance, right??

 

Travel Diary: La Pause, Morocco

Marrakech exudes a feeling of chaotic excitement, but when we needed a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the city, we headed to the eco-resort, La Pause.

La Pause is like a mirage in the middle of the Agafay desert. Glamping at it's finest, the resort has no electricity, but has all the luxuries one would hope to find in the North African desert - gourmet meals cooked from food from the property, a swimming pool to escape the desert heat, tents for shelter from the sun, and all you can drink mint tea.

And if that's not enough, you can ride off into the sunset on top of a camel. Which we obviously did.

top: old navy

scarf: stella and dot

skirt: old target (borrowed from my sister)

pants: tjmaxx

sandals: old forever21

earrings: target

backpack: purchased in the souks of marrakech

Travel Diary: Marrakech, Morocco

Please excuse my abundance of pictures. It is impossible to try and capture the spirit and vibrancy of Marrakech in a handful of photos. And even this selection doesn't begin to do the city justice. A place so full of life and color, if you ever have the opportunity to visit, GO.

And if you're lucky enough to make the trip, here are my top 10 Moroccan experiences:

1. Drink like the locals do. You won’t find much alcohol in Marrakech (and when you do it will be expensive), so stay sober and enjoy an abundance of mint tea and the most amazing fresh squeezed orange juice from the stands in Jemma el-Fnaa (the main square inside the medina)
2. Visit a local Pharmacy to learn about the medicinal qualities of the oils, spices, and herbs. Sample and buy argan oil, rose cream, and saffron.
3. Shop! Head to the souks and get lost. Be confident, be polite, and negotiate EVERYTHING.
4. Get out of town for a day (or night) and head to La Pause for some glamping. While there, eat an incredible meal, soak in the pool, and ride a camel into the desert (more on that in this post).
5. Love fashion? Visit the Jardin de Majorelle to pay tribute to Yves St. Laurent.
6. Take in the craziness of Jemma el-Fnaa from a rooftop bar or restaurant. Get there right before sunset and watch the square come alive with snake charmers, fortune tellers, and dancing monkeys.
7. At night, skip the fancy restaurants and eat the street food from the stalls in the medina.
8. Mingle with the rich and famous and grab a cocktail at Hotel La Mamounia. It will be fancy. It will be expensive. It will be worth it. Start outside on the beautiful patio and then move inside for a night cap and cigar in the Churchill bar (named after it's famous guest, Winston).
9. Experience a Moroccan Hammam for a relaxing (and intimate!) scrub down and massage.
10. Enjoy an incredible home cooked meal in the garden of the Amal Women's Training Center, a non-profit center that supports underprivileged women. 

Have you been to Morocco? What else would you add to the list?